Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 4 September 2004

95 articles found

Energi Mega Persada finds oil deposits

Energi Mega Persada finds oil deposits Publicly listed energy firm PT Energi Mega Persada (EMP) has discovered oil deposits in its two concessions, the Makassar Straits block in Riau and the Brantas block in East Java. The firm said it had "accidentally" discovered the oil deposit in the Brantas block while it was measuring the size of the gas deposit in the Tanggulangin-3 well.

PON: The achievement of Palembang

PON: The achievement of Palembang The National Games (PON), opened by President Megawati Soekarnoputri in South Sumatra's provincial capital of Palembang on Thursday night, is the 16th of its kind. The two-week event, held every four years, however is far from the spectacular Olympic Games, held recently in Athens, as these Games rarely have produced astonishing achievements from Indonesian athletes.

The Jakarta Post is launching a new advertisement column:

The Jakarta Post is launching a new advertisement column: INFObrief. This column has been specially designed for event organizers to effectively promote various activities, such as seminars, exhibitions, conferences or gala-parties. Published every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. For further information, contact: Pangestu, Rifka or Rini at (021) 260 1777, fax (021) 260 1717 or e-mail us at: jktpostads@cbn.net.id

KIPP monitors polls in Afghanistan

KIPP monitors polls in Afghanistan JAKARTA: Barred from conducting its activities in the country, the Independent Elections Monitoring Committee (KIPP) has dispatched three of its observers to war-torn Afghanistan to monitor the poll there. KIPP executive director Ray Rangkuti told The Jakarta Post the team would observe the first democratic election in the central Asian country since the fall of the Taleban regime. The observers left on Aug.

Rupiah Rates

Rupiah Rates Sept. 3 Banknote rates TT Rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 6,826.44 6,123.55 6,509.32 6,440.45 Brunei dollar 1 5,740.04 5,150.59 5,473.39 5,417.13 Canadian dollar 1 7,511.34 6,741.20 7,162.40 7,090.06 Swiss franc 1 7,745.90 6,950.56 7,386.07 7,310.25 Danish krone 1 1,598.85 1,434.08 1,524.58 1,508.30 Euro 1 11,887.88 10,667.97 11,335.63 11,220.03 Poundsterling 1 17,506.37 15,710.69 16,693.12 16,523.71 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,253.21 1,124.83 1,194.99 1,183.04...

Sleman inaugurates new resort in Gamplong

Sleman inaugurates new resort in Gamplong Slamet Susanto, The Jakarta Post/Sleman, Yogyakarta The usually quiet riverine village of Gamplong, some 40 kilometers southwest of Yogyakarta, looked completely different last Monday evening. This ordinary hamlet was adorned with decorations to welcome guests, as the old-style village prepared to hold a traditional festival. On both sides of the narrow, dusty road heading to the village, kerosene-fueled lamps, locally known as senthir, had been hung.

City gears up for floods wth drills, campaigns

City gears up for floods wth drills, campaigns Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Sporadic rains that will start this month have prompted the city administration to start coordinating among the relevant agencies in anticipation of devastating floods, as happened in 2002, that might occur during the rainy season. "We have decided to hold drills for disaster mitigation in the second week of October.

KPU kicks off education program for poll workers

KPU kicks off education program for poll workers M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Hoping to avoid the mistakes of the first round of the presidential election, the General Elections Commission (KPU) launched on Friday an education program for poll officials at various levels nationwide.

Bali to host ACFIF conference

Bali to host ACFIF conference JAKARTA: The Asia Chemical Fiber Industry Federation (ACFIF) is to hold from Sept. 8 to Sept. 11 its fifth biannual conference in Nusa Dua, Bali, according to a press release. The conference, which will be opened by Minister of Industry and Trade Rini M.S. Soewandi, is expected to draw about 160 participants coming from the 10 member countries of the ACFIF: China, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippines, Taiwan and Thailand.

Another corpse of RI worker sent home

Another corpse of RI worker sent home MEDAN, North Sumatra: The remains of another Indonesian migrant worker arrived in Medan airport on Friday, adding one more to the number of Indonesian workers killed in the neighboring country of Malaysia. Sakrishadi, a forensic expert at Pirngadi Hospital in Medan, revealed later on the same day that he found scars on the body of victim Armando Sembiring, 19, which seemed to indicate that was tortured before he died.

Costly Bentley turns heads at motor show

Costly Bentley turns heads at motor show Novan Iman Santosa and Primastuti Handayani, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Before they were officially "unveiled" to the press, many photographers had already taken pictures of the two fenced-off cars under a large billboard that read "Bentley".

Old problems haunt PON

Old problems haunt PON As expected, the opening of the 2004 National Games (PON) on Thursday night in Palembang by President Megawati Soekarnoputri was warmly welcomed by the sports community and locals, although a few eyebrows were raised at the appearance of some old faces in the quadrennial event. This year, about 7,000 athletes from 30 provinces will compete in 41 events.

Mega urges ASEAN to accelerate integration

Mega urges ASEAN to accelerate integration Fabiola Desy Unidjaja and Zakki P. Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta President Megawati Soekarnoputri urged ASEAN economic ministers gathering here for a key annual meeting to formulate ways of accelerating the integration of the region's economies. "The entire Asia-Pacific region, and nearly the whole world, are watching us. Let us not allow economic development to grow into sharper differences and hinder integration and growth.

Robbers steal Rp 3.2m in Menteng

Robbers steal Rp 3.2m in Menteng JAKARTA: Two unidentified men stole a bag belonging to Tanti Riana on Jl. Wahid Hasyim in Menteng, Central Jakarta, on Thursday night. The bag contained Rp 3.2 million (US$347.83) in cash. Police said the suspects fled the scene on a motorbike. Tanti, who lives on Jl. Rawa Selatan in West Jakarta, was waiting for a bus when two men on a motorbike approached her and grabbed her bag. Menteng Police are investigating the case. -- JP

N. Sumatra scores triple victory in wushu event

N. Sumatra scores triple victory in wushu event Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Palembang The wushu competition at the 16th National Games (PON) started on Friday with four golds on offer. North Sumatra took three gold medals and Central Java grabbed the other. North Sumatra won three golds in the men's taiji quan category, as well as men's and women's dao shu, while Central Java won gold in the women's taiji quan category.

Merrill Lynch downgrades RI rating, raises Thailand's

Merrill Lynch downgrades RI rating, raises Thailand's Bloomberg, Singapore Merrill Lynch & Co. advised investors to buy more Thailand stocks, especially lenders such as Krung Thai Bank Pcl and construction companies including Siam Cement Pcl, because of an expected increase in domestic demand. Thailand's rating was raised to "overweight" from "market weight", Spencer White, head of Asia-Pacific equity strategy, wrote in a report published yesterday.

Mangrove case stalled again

Mangrove case stalled again Evi Mariani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Jakarta Police investigators were puzzled upon seeing their 500- page case files on suspects in a mangrove felling case returned on Monday by the Jakarta Prosecutor's Office without any explanation. "It is the third time that the prosecutor's office have returned the case files. Previously, they explained to us what corrections we should make. This time, they didn't say anything," the city police environment department chief Adj.

Council receives 92 malpractice cases

Council receives 92 malpractice cases JAKARTA: Of the 92 reports of medical malpractice it has received in Jakarta between 1997 and 2003, only 64 could be investigated further and only 24 were proven in court, the Medical Ethics Council says.

Mulyo's patience helps push Taufik to Olympic glory

Mulyo's patience helps push Taufik to Olympic glory Eva C. Komandjaja The Jakarta Post/Jakarta National coach Mulyo Handoyo has the recipe for success with temperamental shuttler Taufik Hidayat, and it led to Olympic glory. Taufik, whose on-court and off-court tantrums and criticism of the country's badminton governing body PBSI, have many times put him on the outs with the association's officials as well as fans, has often been criticized for underachieving despite his immense talent.

Euphoric Indonesia: A nation of stage idols

Euphoric Indonesia: A nation of stage idols B. Herry-Priyono, Jakarta One day a few weeks ago, an acquaintance of mine shared a grievance about the behavior of her 14-year-old son. A few days earlier, he went with her to a friend's birthday party at a cafe. A stage was set up and guests were welcome to take a turn at the microphone. When the time came, the boy jumped onto the stage. He began to sing in the posture and style of AFI contestants.

Water consumers urged to complain

Water consumers urged to complain Urip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The customer is king, so the saying goes, and Jakartans should not hesitate to file complaints to tap water companies if there are problems with the service, the firms say. However, customers should not expect operators to supply them with clean water during repair work to pipes, they said.

1. Motor (2x25)

1. Motor (2x25) Motorcycle manufacturers see bright prospects ahead 2. ASEAN (1x42) Mega urges ASEAN to accelerate integration 3. Texma (3x16) Texmaco firms seek loans from foreign banks 4. Mega (2x20) Energi Mega finds oil deposits 5. Market (2x20) Telkom, Bank Mandiri drive shares up

RI, Aussie artists to stage 'Sawung Galing' legend

RI, Aussie artists to stage 'Sawung Galing' legend Sri Wahyuni, The Jakarta Post/Yogyakarta A joint theater production, Kembalinya Legenda Sawung Galing (The Sawung Galing legend returns), involving noted Indonesian musician cum composer Sawung Jabo as the music director and Australian artistic director and playwright Don Mamouney, will be performed this month in the five major Javanese cities of Yogyakarta, Surabaya, Jakarta, Surakarta and Bandung.

Texmaco firms seek loans from foreign banks

Texmaco firms seek loans from foreign banks The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Publicly listed textile firm PT Polysindo Eka Perkasa, a unit of troubled textile conglomerate Texmaco Group, said it was currently in talks with two foreign-based banks to acquire loans to revive its ailing operation.

Community winning war on drugs

Community winning war on drugs Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The fact that an estimated 3.9 percent of the country's population of 220 million people, or about 8.58 million people, either use illegal drugs and/or sell them, has raised concern among the mothers of Community Unit 9 in Kebayoran Lama Utara subdistrict, South Jakarta.

KKN must cease to exist

KKN must cease to exist From Bisnis Indonesia The campaigns by presidential and vice presidential candidates claiming the introduction of various improvements to the country will not be meaningful without serious attempts to eradicate corruption, collusion and nepotism (KKN). Speaking at a seminar entitled, "KKN: Root of all national problems" (Bisnis Indonesia, Aug.

Sept. 6: A Red-Letter Day for the Southeast Asian Press

Sept. 6: A Red-Letter Day for the Southeast Asian Press Roby Alampay, Bangkok The libel trial of Thai media advocate Supinya Klangnarong -- along with two reporters and one newspaper editor -- starts in Bangkok on Sept. 6. Supinya's suggestion in a published article that a company partly owned by the family of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra unfairly benefited from his term in office could lead to imprisonment and a staggering US$10 million (Bt400 million) fine.

Urban transportation mode

Urban transportation mode From Koran Tempo Although I live abroad now, I was born and bred in Jakarta and will return to this city in two to three years' time. Regarding the transportation services linking Jakarta and its satellite towns of Depok, Bekasi and Tangerang, I believe that it would be better for the governor of Jakarta to give priority to transportation along these road networks rather than engaging in the busway, monorail or subway project.

Medal Tally

Medal Tally The medal table on the second day of the National games (PON) in Palembang on Friday: Provinces G S B T 1 Jakarta 12 11 12 35 2 West Java 8 3 3 14 3 North Sumatra 8 1 3 12 4 South Sumatra 3 5 4 12 5 Central Java 3 0 2 5 6 Riau 2 1 1 4 7 East Java 1 9 13 23 8 Lampung 1 2 2 5 9 Jambi 1 2 1 4 10 West Java 1 1 1 3 11 Yogyakarta 1 0 0 1 12 East Kalimantan 0 2 1 3 13 Papua 0 2 0 2 14 South Sulawesi 0 0 2 2 15 South Kalimantan 0 0 1 1 16 Bangka-Belitung 0 0 1 1 17 Bali 0 0 1

Mulyo helps push Taufik to glory

Mulyo helps push Taufik to glory Eva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta National coach Mulyo Handoyo has the recipe for success with temperamental shuttler Taufik Hidayat, and it led to Olympic glory. Taufik, whose on-court and off-court tantrums and criticism of the country's badminton governing body PBSI, have many times put him on the outs with the association's officials as well as fans, has often been criticized for underachieving despite his immense talent.

Dutch foundation can help poor students

Dutch foundation can help poor students We read with much interest the article on Indonesian students in The Jakarta Post of July 19, titled Poor students ask for help to study. It may be known that many people in foreign countries are also supporting Indonesian students via western foundations to finish their studies. Perhaps the Post could help by providing these foundations, including the foundation of which I am the chairman, with information on effective ways to continue our help.

Media center at National Games struggles with updates

Media center at National Games struggles with updates Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Palembang Reporting on the ongoing National Games (PON) has been a trial for some journalists, due to substandard facilities and slow-to- respond officials. There is a media center with staff that are supposed to help journalists, but unfortunately it doesn't function as it should. The three-story center in Jakabaring is located about six kilometers west of the city center.

Hamzah quits political life

Hamzah quits political life The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The presidential election runoff will mark the end of the political career of the outgoing Vice President Hamzah Haz, who announced on Friday that he would retire from politics after Sept. 20, the date of vote. Speaking in front of dozens of people at a ceremony to mark the inauguration of the Al-Aqsha boarding school in Kelapa Gading, North Jakarta, Hamzah said he was planning to spend more time with his grandchildren after he quit politics.

Angry mob sets six stalls on fire

Angry mob sets six stalls on fire JAKARTA: A mob of about 200 unidentified people set six stalls on fire on Thursday night in Babakan Bondol kampong, Bantar Gebang, Bekasi municipality. Police said on Friday that the mob opposed the presence of the six stalls for allegedly offering alcoholic drinks and prostitutes to customers, most of whom are inter-city truck drivers.

Fighting graft 'must top next president's to-do list'

Fighting graft 'must top next president's to-do list' The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Fighting corruption tops the list of things that Indonesia's next president must do in their first 100 days in office, if they want to gain the people's confidence and support, a reform advocacy group says.

ASEAN signs integration plan for priority sectors

ASEAN signs integration plan for priority sectors Zakki P. Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Trade ministers of 10 ASEAN member countries signed on Friday a framework agreement to accelerate the integration of 10 economic sectors in the region in a bid to boost trade and investment. The trade and investment liberalization plan was agreed to during the first day of the 36th ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM) meeting here.

Elephants hit back at illegal loggers

Elephants hit back at illegal loggers BANDAR LAMPUNG, Lampung: Dozens of wild elephants have trampled hundreds of hectares of rice fields and plantations in several areas in East Lampung regency over the past week. Prayit, the chief of Labuhan Ratu subdistrict, said it was an annual "attack", and always occurred during the rice harvest season.

Local councillors will work less but gain more

Local councillors will work less but gain more Ridwan Max Sijabat, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The newly inaugurated regional councillors have had their powers and duties cut, but will enjoy a better income following the issuance of two government regulations on regional legislatures' standing orders and councillors' protocol and financial privileges. According to Government Regulation No. 24/2004, which was issued last week to replace the earlier government regulation No.

Coffee jaunt 'risky and downright irresponsible'

Coffee jaunt 'risky and downright irresponsible' Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Whatever motives were behind the excursion of a convicted Bali bomber with an investigator to an upscale Jakarta coffee house on Wednesday night, a former police officer says it was too risky and downright irresponsible.

Bogus KPK officials 'extorting governors'

Bogus KPK officials 'extorting governors' JAKARTA: State officials, particularly those in the regions, should be wary of people posing as Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) officials demanding money, the KPK warned on Friday. "The number of blackmail complaints from governors is increasing.

4 x 12

4 x 12 Villagers block road project in Lampung JP/5/HAZE 1 x 33 Jambi residents told to wear masks JP/5/KALTIM 1 x 29 or East Kalimantan offices empty JP/5/STRESS 1 x 42 Aceh soldiers vulnerable to mental problems JP/5/TKI 1 x 32 More RI workers complain of abuse

Fire guts house, three kiosks

Fire guts house, three kiosks JAKARTA: A house and three kiosks owned by a man identified as Bahrudin on Jl. Abdul Majid in Cipete, Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta, were destroyed by fire on Thursday night. No fatalities were reported. Police said two security guards at the Cipete subdistrict office first spotted the blaze and reported it to the owner of the kiosks. Eight fire trucks were deployed to the scene, and residents also helped fight the fire, which was extinguished at about 8 p.m.

Susilo's last stand, big win or slim defeat

Susilo's last stand, big win or slim defeat Meidyatama Suryodiningrat, Jakarta If the presidential election had been held in mid-April, few would have bet against Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono sweeping toward victory. In fact, in recent times even, his chances of winning over the incumbent were still high. But, since the highs of April, Susilo's popularity has sunk faster than a man in quicksand.

JP/17/BREW

JP/17/BREW Sleman launches new tourist resort in Gamplong Slamet Susanto The Jakarta Post/Sleman, Yogyakarta The usually quiet riverine village of Gamplong, some 40 kilometers southwest of Yogyakarta, looked completely different last Monday evening. This ordinary hamlet was adorned with decorations to welcome guests, as the old-style village prepared to hold a traditional festival.

Air passengers evacuated after bomb scare

Air passengers evacuated after bomb scare Mikael Onny Setiawan and Abdul Khalik The Jakarta Post/Balikpapan/Jakarta Security authorities had to search more than 150 passengers for explosives after a Lion Air officer at the Balikpapan airport in East Kalimantan received a bomb threat from a caller on Friday morning. The caller told the officer, Hidayat, that there was a bomb planted on the Lion Air flight from Jakarta to Balikpapan, which could explode anytime.

*Golkar falling apart over support of Megawati Page 2

*Golkar falling apart over support of Megawati Page 2 *Local councillors will work less but gain more Page 4 *Villagers block road project in Lampung Page 5 *Euphoric Indonesia: A nation of stage idols Page 6 *City gears up for floods with drills, campaigns Page 8 *Iraqi president delays trip to France over hostage crisis Page 9 *New-look Italy aims to end Nordic nightmare Page 10 *Motorcycle manufacturers see bright prospects ahead Page 13 *Mulyo's patience helps push Taufik to Olympic glory...

Merapi tour to be held in 4 regencies

Merapi tour to be held in 4 regencies YOGYAKARTA: The governments of four regencies, Sleman, Yogyakarta; and Magelang, Klaten and Boyolali, Central Java, are offering a one-day tour by motorcycle on Sept. 26, 2004, covering a distance of some 200 kilometers and passing various tourist attractions around Mt. Merapi. According to head of Sleman's public relations department Sudarningsih, the tour, titled Tour de Merapi 2004, is being held in conjunction with World Tourism Day, which falls on Sept.

Jakarta Police create new precincts

Jakarta Police create new precincts The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Three new police precincts will be established in Tangerang municipality, Bekasi municipality and Kepulauan Seribu regency this month in a bid to better serve and protect the public. "The decision was made in compliance with a National Police decree this week. Since the three areas have been developing rapidly, we think they need their own police stations," city police chief Insp. Gen. Firman Gani announced on Friday.

Motorcycle manufacturers see bright prospects ahead

Motorcycle manufacturers see bright prospects ahead Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The local motorcycle industry is set to continue to grow to double-digits in the coming years on the back of an improving economy, more affordable prices, and less complicated bank credit requirements, industry players have said.

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Red-letter day for Southeast Asian press Roby Alampay Bangkok 2. Pro06 -- Asia's dysfunctional democracies 1 X 45 Asia's dysfunctional democracies Satyabrata Rai Chowdhuri Project Syndicate 3. Inqui06 -- Honor thy enemy 2 X 21 Honor thy enemy: Special message to Chinese rulers Philippine Daily Inquirer Asia News Network Manila

Coalition against change

Coalition against change From Media Indonesia The coalitions between the major political parties, in which the Golkar Party has recently formed an alliance with the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) -- which is in addition to PDI-P's earlier partnership agreements with the United Development Party and the Prosperous Peace Party -- gives rise to fears of status-quo domination.

ISI Denpasar to hold joint exhibition

ISI Denpasar to hold joint exhibition YOGYAKARTA: As many as 39 lecturers and three students from the Indonesian Institute of Fine Arts (ISI) Denpasar are to hold a joint fine arts exhibition titled Jejak Tradisi dalam Ekspresi Modern II at H. Widayat Museum, Kota Mungkid, Magelang, Central Java, from Sept. 5 to Sept. 12, 2004.

Protest marks council inauguration

Protest marks council inauguration KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: A student protest marked the inauguration of 55 new East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) provincial councillors on Friday, who began their 5-year term. In the protest, hundreds of students protested the inauguration of several councillors because of alleged corruption cases, demanding that the inauguration be canceled.

Trading

Trading Shares Close Change volume Astra Agro Lestari 2,500 -25 1,216,500 Abdi Bangsa Tbk 275 0 0 Asuransi Bina Dana 430 0 0 Andhi Chandra 465 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 3,000 0 0 Adhi Karya 410 25 73,031,500 Adira Dinamika 2,600 0 0 GT Petrochem 320 -5 360,000 Asuransi Harta Aman 70 0 0 Akbar Indo Makmur 80 -5 10,000 Tiga Pilar 125 0 40,000 Argha Karya Prima 550 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 1,925 -50 385,500 Asia Kapitalindo 270 0 0 Alter Abadi Tbk 35 0 0 Alfa Retailindo Tbk 975 0 15,000 Alakasa Industrindo...

Institutions, culture and economy

Institutions, culture and economy It is saddening to read the letter of Mirna Mutiara Govt must protect all communities in The Jakarta Post of Aug. 24 in which it is written that Indonesians of Chinese descent who are oppressed are victims, instead of as a result of something and that every effect has a cause.

Operators warned for not using terminal

Operators warned for not using terminal TANGERANG: The Tangerang municipal transportation agency delivered on Aug. 31 its last warning to four inter-city bus operators for not using the newly built Poris Plawad Bus Terminal to pick up and drop off passengers. The operators have instead used their own pick-up and drop-off points. "If these bus operators continue the practice, the administration will lose revenue from bus terminal fees," agency head Jamanat Purba said on Thursday.

1. APEC (1 x 32)

1. APEC (1 x 32) APEC favors currency liberalization 2. German (2 x 17) German firm cancels order of Thai fruit

(Expobrief - Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2004)

(Expobrief - Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2004) Best Practices Balanced Scorecard Implementations in Asia In the current competitive market, the Balanced Scorecard is becoming an important management tool for companies in order to withstand the competition. Building a Scorecard helps managers link today's actions with the achievement of today's priorities. It encourages accountability and today accountability is defined by results. Mr.Naresh Makhijani and Dr.

Bantul locals put on culture festival

Bantul locals put on culture festival YOGYAKARTA: Villagers from the three hamlets of Nitiprayan, Jomegatan and Gumuk in Ngestiharjo village, Kasihan subdistrict, Bantul regency, are to hold a four-day cultural festival, titled Kenduri Seni Desa. The official opening ceremony is to be held on Saturday from 3 p.m. and will be in the format of a festival along the village road connecting the three hamlets.

Another source of Buyat pollution?

Another source of Buyat pollution? A review of the research on the Buyat Bay pollution case has concluded that mercury, arsenic and other chemicals have contaminated the bay. However, researchers have focused on tailings dumped by PT Newmont Minahasa Raya without considering other possible sources of pollution. In my view, the mercury contamination has most likely resulted from illegal gold mining, using traditional methods.

Asia's dysfunctional democracies

Asia's dysfunctional democracies Satyabrata Rai Chowdhuri, Project Syndicate Asia has been gripped by election fever all year. The Philippines and Taiwan have chosen new presidents; India and Malaysia have ushered in new parliaments and prime ministers. September brings two more vital polls: A legislative election in Hong Kong and a presidential election in Indonesia.

Olympian Krisna Bayu earns judo gold for South Sumatra

Olympian Krisna Bayu earns judo gold for South Sumatra Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Palembang Krisna Bayu, whose Olympic hopes in Athens were crushed in the first stage, gave South Sumatra a gold medal in the men's under- 100 kilogram of judo competition at the 16th National Games (PON) here on Friday. Confident Krisna was too strong for Gandung N.S. of Jakarta, defeating his opponent with an overwhelming victory in the match which only lasted 57 seconds.

Jambi residents told to wear masks

Jambi residents told to wear masks Jon Afrizal, The Jakarta Post, Jambi The quality of air in Jambi city has deteriorated in the last few days due to haze, prompting the local government to call on people on Friday to wear masks outside their homes. Subakir, the head of the environment monitoring division at Jambi Provincial Administration's Health Office, stressed on Friday that ash particles in the air caused by forest fires in the province had risen above the tolerable level.

Aceh soldiers vulnerable to mental disorders

Aceh soldiers vulnerable to mental disorders Nani Afrida, The Jakarta Post/Banda Aceh A soldier from the Siliwangi Military Command posted in Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam recently complained about his length of duty in the province. "I have been posted in Aceh for nearly 13 months. There is still no sign of us returning home. I always long for my family," he said. He said this was his second tour of duty in Aceh. The first time he was posted to the province several years ago, his wife was pregnant.

Telkom, Bank Mandiri drive shares up

Telkom, Bank Mandiri drive shares up Shares ended marginally higher on Friday as late foreign buying in select bank and telecom blue chips reversed earlier losses, dealers said. Softer on-month inflation in August and expectations that the forthcoming presidential runoff would proceed peacefully spurred some foreign investors to continue buying Indonesian stocks, they said.

Law enforcers not tough on graft: PKB

Law enforcers not tough on graft: PKB Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta With the government's term nearing its end, the National Awakening Party (PKB) is giving the thumbs-down to law enforcers' efforts to eradicate corruption during the past five years. House of Representatives faction deputy chairman Ali As'ad told a discussion on Friday law enforcers were not immune from corruption and this had obstructed the antigraft drive.

Megawati to attend Brunei royal wedding, ASEM summit

Megawati to attend Brunei royal wedding, ASEM summit Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta President Megawati Soekarnoputri is slated to attend the royal wedding of Brunei Darussalam Crown Prince Muhtadee Billah Bolkiah next week, a minister said on Friday. Upon invitation of Sultan Halssanah Bolkiah, Megawati will leave for Bandar Sri Begawan on Sept. 8 evening, and return home the next day. "The purpose of the visit is just to attend the wedding.

Activists play waiting game ahead of 'Tempo' verdict

Activists play waiting game ahead of 'Tempo' verdict Urip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Three days before the Central Jakarta District Court hands down its verdict on a case against Tempo chief editor Bambang Harymurti, who is on trial for defamation against businessman Tomy Winata, activists are scrambling to their feet in an attempt to rescue the country's press freedom.

Three countries to meet on telecommunications issues

Three countries to meet on telecommunications issues Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Senior officials of Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand will meet here for two days next week to discuss cooperation in the telecommunication sector. Director General of Post and Telecommunications Djamhari Sirat is expected to open the IMT-GT (Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand -- Growth Triangle) forum meeting on Monday.

Sept. 6: A Red-Letter Day for the Southeast Asian Press

Sept. 6: A Red-Letter Day for the Southeast Asian Press JP/6/ROBY06 Sept. 6: A Red-Letter Day for the Southeast Asian Press Roby Alampay Bangkok The libel trial of Thai media advocate Supinya Klangnarong -- along with two reporters and one newspaper editor -- starts in Bangkok on Sept. 6.

Passengers evacuated after bomb hoax

Passengers evacuated after bomb hoax Mikael Onny Setiawan, The Jakarta Post, Balikpapan Security authorities had to search more than 150 passengers for explosives after a Lion Air officer at the Balikpapan airport in East Kalimantan received a bomb threat from a caller on Friday morning. The caller told the officer, Hidayat, that there was a bomb planted on the Lion Air flight from Jakarta to Balikpapan, which could explode anytime.

Nurdiana strikes gold in second attempt at PON

Nurdiana strikes gold in second attempt at PON Eva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post, Palembang The sounds of her blade rhymed with her movements when she tiptoed on the floor and bent her body forward to strike her blade to the air before leaping forward in a near perfect performance before she bowed to the jury at the end of her action.

Jakarta Police create new precincts

Jakarta Police create new precincts The Jakarta Post Jakarta Three new police precincts will be established in Tangerang municipality, Bekasi municipality and Kepulauan Seribu regency this month in a bid to better serve and protect the public. "The decision was made in compliance with a National Police decree this week. Since the three areas have been developing rapidly, we think they need their own police stations," city police chief Insp. Gen. Firman Gani announced on Friday.

APEC favors currency liberalization

APEC favors currency liberalization Frederic Garlan, Agence France-Presse, Santiago Asia-Pacific finance ministers will call for currency deregulation in a statement to be released Friday, the head of the U.S. delegation said, in a move that particularly targets China's monetary peg to the U.S. dollar. The statement is to be released at the end of a two day meeting of top finance officials from the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in the Chilean capital.

Part 1 of 2

Part 1 of 2 Fundamentals the cause of oil price turbulence Kurtubi Jakarta 2. Dimas -- Susilo's last stand, big win or slim defeat 2 x 30 Susilo's fate: Big win or slim defeat Meidyatama Suryodiningrat Jakarta

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Local councillors will work less but gain more 2. 1 x 42 ( 6 col) KPU kicks off education program for poll workers 3. 1 x 27 ( 3 col) Hamzah calls it quits 4. 2 x 27 ( 3 col) Megawati to attend Brunei royal wedding 5. 1 x 32 ( 3 col) Law enforcers not tough on KKN: PKB

Golkar falling apart over support of Megawati

Golkar falling apart over support of Megawati Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The leadership of Golkar is facing a serious challenge in deciding what to do about the growing number of party members -- both executive and grassroots -- who have openly defied the party leaders' dictate to support Megawati Soekarnoputri in the presidential election.

Green light for probe in Aceh

Green light for probe in Aceh JAKARTA: Aceh military commander Maj. Gen. Endang Suwarya said on Friday any military officers in Aceh were ready for questioning in connection with alleged corruption cases that took place during the one-year martial law in the province. "We are ready to be grilled. We don't think we are guilty, but please go ahead with the investigation," he said after a ceremony at the Indonesia Military (TNI) Headquarters in Jakarta.

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.

Patrick Guntensperger

Patrick Guntensperger Jakarta 2. Mohtar -- Forging productive relationship between experts and the 2 X 21 Relationship between experts and bureaucracy Mochtar Buchori Jakarta 3. New -- Defining moment, now to move on 1 x 30 Defining moment, now to move on New Straits Times Kuala Lumpur

EU FMs hope to break ASEM summit deadlock

EU FMs hope to break ASEM summit deadlock THE NETHERLANDS: European Union foreign ministers met on Friday in a bid to break a deadlock with their Asian partners over whether to let military-ruled Myanmar take part in a joint conference next month.

More RI workers complain of abuse

More RI workers complain of abuse ID Nugroho, The Jakarta Post/Surabaya Fajar (not his real name) lies listlessly inside an ambulance, his face showing signs of excruciating pain. Both his legs are limp. The 25-year-old man is one of 189 illegal migrant workers from Malaysia who reported to the East Java Manpower and Transmigration Office last Sunday. Fajar appeared subdued after being repatriated and was reluctant to talk to anyone, including manpower officials.

TV Today: Saturday, September 4, 2004

TV Today: Saturday, September 4, 2004 TVRI 6:00 a.m. News: Berita Pagi 7:00 Children Show: Pentas Ceria 7:30 Religious Teachings 8:00 Talk Show: Sehat Ala Hembing 9:00 Religious Teachings 10:00 Talk Show 11:30 Battle of Wits 1:00 p.m.

Democracy and foreign interests

Democracy and foreign interests From Bisnis Indonesia The Indonesian Military (TNI) bill does not lead to a TNI that conforms to principles of democracy, according to observers from the Centre for Strategic and International Studies. To my knowledge, the principles of democracy in Indonesia have not yet been established. No descriptions have ever been made of the type of democracy suitable to Indonesia. Democracy remains one of the global issues used by liberal nations to liberalize the world.

Part 1 of 2: Fundamentals, not speculators, main cause of oil price turbulence

Part 1 of 2: Fundamentals, not speculators, main cause of oil price turbulence Kurtubi, Jakarta Last week the price of WTI (West Texas Intermediate) crude was recorded close to US$50/barrel, a record high, but a level still far lower in real terms than that registered in 1979 -- about $40/barrel (at the U.S. dollar rate in 1979) -- or the equivalent of $80/barrel at today's value of the US dollar.

Athletes willing to adjust at games village

Athletes willing to adjust at games village Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Palembang Some houses at the Games village in Jakabaring, remain without electricity. "Yes, Mas (big brother) we are still living in darkness," an athlete told The Jakarta Post, while sitting on a chair in front of the house. He requested anonymity. He said other athletes had no electricity in their accommodation at the village when they arrived but the supplies were switched on after they had lodged complaints.

Students protest Laksamana visit

Students protest Laksamana visit BANDUNG: Dozens of students at Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) staged a protest on Friday at their campus, rejecting the visit of Laksamana Sukardi, the State Minister of State Enterprises. In the protest, the students accused the minister of campaigning for his boss President Megawati Soekarnoputri during his visit to the ITB campus. In the visit, Laksamana addressed a crowd of students and lecturers during a gathering held by the ITB alumni association.

Where to go in Yogyakarta: Saturday, September 4, 2004

Where to go in Yogyakarta: Saturday, September 4, 2004 Exhibitions * Fine Arts Gareng - Petruk (Tribute to Tatang S), by Bambang 'Toko' Wicaksono, the Gallery of Kedai Kebun Forum Restaurant, Jl. Tirtodipuran No. 3 (0274 376114), until Sept. 22. * Ceramic Saat Detik Detak by Jenny Lee, Via Via Cafe, Jl. Prawirotaman 24B (Tel. 0274 386557), until Sept. 24. * Posters Les Goncourt, the Gallery of LIP - Lembaga Indonesia Perancis, Jl. Sagan No. 3 (Tel. 0274 566520), until Sept. 30.

Villagers block road project in Lampung

Villagers block road project in Lampung Oyos Saroso H.N., The Jakarta Post, Bandarlampung Hundreds of residents of four villages in Lampung blocked Sumatra's east coast highway on Friday to protest a road development project there. The blockage did not cause a traffic jam as all vehicles passing through the highway were rerouted to alternative roads. However, around 50 trucks belonging to developer PT Sangyong, which is involved in the project, could not operate.

FOR EXPO BRIEF: Sept. 4, 2004

FOR EXPO BRIEF: Sept. 4, 2004 Seminar on leadership to be held in Jakarta Think of a person you consider powerful. Why do others follow this person as their leader? Take away your title, why would anyone follow you? You will find these answers in Dunamis Organization Services' upcoming seminar on Indonesia's Search for Strong and Honorable Leadership, which will be held on Sept. 9 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Gran Melia Jakarta Hotel. Dr.

East Kalimantan offices empty

East Kalimantan offices empty Rusman, The Jakarta Post, Samarinda Local residents have been deprived of public services in Samarinda recently, as high-ranking officials with the East Kalimantan provincial administration have been away for several days, while new councillors postponed their first sessions. Most local government officials went to Palembang, South Sumatra to attend the 16th National Sports Week and are scheduled to return home next week.

Waiting for RI to mature

Waiting for RI to mature From Media Indonesia It can happen that a person is physically or chronologically "grown-up" but is still childish in behavior. The same thing can also be said of a nation. The maturity of a nation does not come with the years of independence it has enjoyed, but lies in how it respects its heroes. Government officials of certain positions are invited to attend a ceremony marking the celebration of the country's independence.

Bayu wins his seventh PON gold medal

Bayu wins his seventh PON gold medal Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Palembang Judo veteran Krisna Bayu won his career-seventh gold in the National Games to give host South Sumatra one of the two golds collected on the second day of competition on Friday. South Sumatra's second gold was contributed by Catarin Kalalo in the 50-meter immersion fin-swimming, more than making up for her disappointing performance in 50-meter surface event on Thursday.

'Mall concerts would be a breakthrough'

'Mall concerts would be a breakthrough' As expected from a modern capital, Jakarta hosts a relatively large number of art events and performances, be they traditional or modern arts. The capital also has numerous art venues that regularly host events. A number of residents told The Jakarta Post about their favorite performances and venues. Haydar, 41, is a police detective at Jakarta Police Headquarters: I really love to see art performances once in a while.

Bayu wins his PON seventh

Bayu wins his PON seventh Moch. N. Kurniawan The Jakarta Post/Palembang Judo veteran Krisna Bayu wins his career seventh gold in the National Games to give host South Sumatra one of the two golds collected on the second day of competition on Friday. The second gold was contributed by Catarin Kalalo in the fin- swimming to make amend for her failure on Thursday.