Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 7 September 2004

81 articles found

Palu forces ready for Mega's visit

Palu forces ready for Mega's visit PALU, Central Sulawesi: Thousands of police and military personnel are prepared to guard President Megawati during her Tuesday visit to Palu, the capital of Central Sulawesi province, a local military official said on Monday. Col. Mohammad Slamet, chief of Tadulako military command overseeing Central Sulawesi, said Palu Police and the local military command would deploy regular forces and plainclothesmen, as well as military vehicles, to secure her visit.

Death-row inmates' time running out

Death-row inmates' time running out SURABAYA: The Attorney General's Office expects to execute two convicted drug traffickers on death row this month, an official said. "I cannot reveal the details but they will be executed in Medan this month," office spokesman Kemas Yahya Rahman said on Monday. He was referring to Thai nationals Saelow Prasert, 62, and Namsong Sirilak, 32, who were convicted of smuggling heroin into the country.

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.

Experts warn Akbar against expelling party rebels

Experts warn Akbar against expelling party rebels The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Golkar Party has officially reprimanded all members who have defied the party's official decision to support Megawati Soekarnoputri in the presidential election runoff on Sept. 20. Political analysts, however, warned the party against dismissing the defiant party executives, saying such a move would harm Golkar's image, adding that the party also needed the executives' service in the next House of Representatives.

Fans all abuzz about games

Fans all abuzz about games Muhammad Uzair, The Jakarta Post, Palembang The ongoing National Games (PON) has been alive with the high enthusiasm of local fans. Match venues, particularly those hosting the tennis, basketball, soccer and badminton events, are never devoid of raucous crowds that have come out in force to support their favorite teams. In some sports, many local fans come to watch, even though they are well aware that their teams cannot match rivals' strengths and skills.

British Council library moves to cyberspace

British Council library moves to cyberspace Evi Mariani and Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta To mark World Literacy Day on Wednesday, The Jakarta Post Evi Mariani and Leony Aurora has been investigating library facilities in the city. Today, we take a closer look at those managed by foreign cultural institutions. "We're changing", read the posters hanging from the ceiling of the British Council library on Jl. Jendral Sudirman. From Sept.

BI not to revise legal lending limit

BI not to revise legal lending limit The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Bank Indonesia has no plans to revise its 10 percent legal lending limit in the near future, despite rising calls from bankers. Muliaman Hadad, head of Bank Indonesia's financial system stability bureau, said on Monday that the 10 percent rate was in line with international best banking practices. "We haven't seen any need to revise the rate," he told reporters on the sidelines of a seminar.

2.3 kgs of heroin seized in Bali

2.3 kgs of heroin seized in Bali Wahyoe Boediwardhana, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar Denpasar Municipality Police detectives recently arrested two alleged heroin traffickers from South Africa, and seized 2.3 kilograms of heroin from them, a senior police officer said on Monday. The seizure of the 2.3 kilograms of heroin, which had an estimated street value of Rp 2 billion (US$ 212,765), was the biggest police heroin bust of the past two years, said Denpasar Municipal Police deputy chief Adj. Sr.

Ad hoc court for TV stations

Ad hoc court for TV stations From Republika With the prevalence of TV programs depicting morally depraved scenes such as violence, consumerism and hedonism, I would like to suggest that Indonesia set up some kind of an ad hoc tribunal for TV stations to accommodate complaints about shows that harm the public interest. This is the case in Australia, where complaints about TV performances are submitted to an ad hoc court, and if such claims can be justified, the relevant TV station can be closed.

Japan, RP start 4th trade talks

Japan, RP start 4th trade talks Natalie Obiko Pearson, Associated Press Japan and the Philippines launched a fourth round of talks toward signing a free trade agreement on Monday in Tokyo's latest efforts to reduce economic barriers with its Asian neighbors. Japan has been stepping up its campaign to liberalize trade in the region, agreeing on dates to begin FTA talks with the 10- member Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, over the weekend.

RI shares end lower on profit-taking

RI shares end lower on profit-taking Dow Jones, Jakarta Indonesian shares ended marginally lower Monday as investors, mostly local retails, took profit in select blue chips that rose in the previous seven sessions, dealers said. They said renewed concerns that the rupiah may weaken further, ahead of the presidential runoff Sept. 20, also added to negative sentiment. "Selling, however, wasn't that heavy," said a trader with a European securities firm.

Ba'asyir verdict sparks courtroom violence

Ba'asyir verdict sparks courtroom violence Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Supporters of terror suspect Abu Bakar Ba'asyir fought a running battle with police officers and hurled shoes and other debris inside a courtroom, shortly after a judge dismissed on Monday the lawsuit against the arrest of the elderly cleric. Judge Syamsul Ali announced at the South Jakarta District Court that police had valid grounds to detain Ba'asyir on terror charges.

Artajasa plans KL banking services

Artajasa plans KL banking services Johannes Simbolon, Jakarta Post, Jakarta PT Artajasa Pembayaran Elektronis, an electronic payment services company, plans to set up an alliance with Malaysian banks to allow Indonesian workers in Malaysia to transfer and receive funds through the banks.

Riau's shooters dominate PON

Riau's shooters dominate PON Eva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post, Palembang Shooters from Riau dominated the National Games (PON)'s shooting competition by winning three gold medals at the Sriwijaya Shooting Range here on Monday. Bari Agustini Said began Riau's golden spree by hitting six perfect bullseye shots out of ten in the women's individual air pistol for a total score of 680.6 points, ahead of the eventual silver medalist Desak Putu of Central Java with 679.5 points.

SE Asia's press progressing against all odds

SE Asia's press progressing against all odds Among the many observers who attended Monday's hearing of the libel case against Tempo magazine was Steven Gan, founder and editor-in-chief of the online news agency Malaysiakini.com., known as an icon of Malaysians' struggle for free speech. The Jakarta Post's Ati Nurbaiti spoke with Gan on current issues of free press in the region.

Protesters demand new province

Protesters demand new province MEDAN, North Sumatra: Hundreds of people and students claiming to be residents of the Central Aceh, Gayo Luwes, Bener Meriah, Southeast Aceh and Aceh Singkil regencies held a protest on Monday at the representative office of Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam province in Medan, the capital of North Sumatra province.

House factions reject TNI power to take preemptive action

House factions reject TNI power to take preemptive action Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government demanded on Monday that the Indonesian Military be granted the power to take preemptive measures against groups suspected of threatening national unity before they were capable of launching an armed rebellion. Major factions in the House of Representatives, however, rejected the proposal, saying the power could be abused as had happened in the past.

1. WTO (1 x 40)

1. WTO (1 x 40) U.S. defeat risks encouraging protectionism 2. Ali (2 x 25) Meeting with unions crucial to Alitalia's survival 3. CPO (1 x 30) China to lower tariff on palm oil 4. Market (1 x 33) RI shares end lower on profit-taking

Traffic to worsen as busway works to start

Traffic to worsen as busway works to start Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The planned construction of a new busway corridor stretching from Pulogadung bus terminal, East Jakarta, to Kalideres, West Jakarta, to start by the end of October means a reduction in the number of lanes for private cars and public vehicles since the busway will occupy one of the existing lanes.

Ballot papers reach regencies

Ballot papers reach regencies JAKARTA: The General Elections Commission (KPU) said on Monday that ballot papers for the Sept. 20 election runoff had reached all regencies and municipalities in the country. The KPU member tasked with overseeing material procurements for the polls, Hamid Awaluddin, said most of the regental elections commissions (KPUD) had received the ballot papers late last week.

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.

Worker nabbed with ecstasy

Worker nabbed with ecstasy JAKARTA: Dede Riyanto, a 35-year-old factory worker, was arrested by police officers on Sunday night around midnight for possession of 114 ecstasy pills and other drugs at his house in Pejagalan, North Jakarta. According to the police report, the officers had received a tip-off from one of their sources. In addition to the pills, the police also confiscated eight packages of shabu-shabu (crystal methampethamine) and Rp 512,000 (around US$55) in cash. -- JP

India and Pakistan vow peace, but no Kashmir breakthrough

India and Pakistan vow peace, but no Kashmir breakthrough Elizabeth Roche, Agence France-Presse, New Delhi Nuclear-armed rivals India and Pakistan agreed on Monday on an array of measures to promote peace in South Asia but remained far apart on their key dispute -- the future of divided Kashmir. Indian foreign minister Natwar Singh and his Pakistani counterpart Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri said they would prolong a cease-fire in force along a military line dividing their armies in Kashmir.

Pos Indonesia to focus on logistics

Pos Indonesia to focus on logistics Rendi A. Witular, Jakarta State-owned mail company PT Pos Indonesia plans to focus on the logistics business for the domestic market due to a general downward trend in direct mail business, due to easier availability of electronic mail or e-mail, the company's senior official said.

RP inflation rate hits 6.8%

RP inflation rate hits 6.8% MANILA: Consumer prices in the Philippines rose 6.8 percent from a year earlier in August and were likely to follow an upward trend for the rest of the year due to higher oil prices, the government said Monday. The August rate was 0.2 percentage points above the July rate of 6.6 percent and brought the year to date inflation rate to 4.9 percent.

Rupiah Rates

Rupiah Rates Sept. 6 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 6,759.24 6,063.66 6,445.44 6,377.23 Brunei dollar 1 5,740.53 5,150.48 5,474.02 5,416.84 Canadian dollar 1 7,531.00 6,757.24 7,181.36 7,106.68 Swiss franc 1 7,694.55 6,903.90 7,337.32 7,260.93 Danish krone 1 1,586.19 1,422.83 1,512.55 1,496.41 Euro 1 11,794.45 10,583.08 11,246.88 11,130.38 Poundsterling 1 17,366.53 15,587.11 16,560.27 16,393.19 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,253.80 1,125.51 1,195.59 1,183.72...

Political parties' neutrality wise

Political parties' neutrality wise After much debate, the National Awakening Party (PKB) has finally decided to stay neutral in the second round of the presidential election on Sept. 20. Previously, the National Mandate party (PAN) also took a similar stand. Their decisions are not strange, given that their candidates failed in the first round of the election. But while their decisions were the same, their was a stark contrast between their reasons for doing so.

Building owners to revive old Batavia

Building owners to revive old Batavia The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Formerly the center of trade and business activities in the Dutch colonial era, the Kota area in West Jakarta is in dire need of conservation as it crumbles away due to the ravages of time and neglect.

UT sells Komatsu stake to pay debilitating debt

UT sells Komatsu stake to pay debilitating debt The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Publicly listed heavy-equipment supplier PT United Tractors (UT) has sold a 13 percent stake in PT Komatsu Indonesia to Japan's Komatsu Ltd., the world's second-largest producer of construction machinery, to raise money for repaying debt.

Antam seeks financing for massive bauxite project

Antam seeks financing for massive bauxite project The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State-owned mining company PT Aneka Tambang (Antam) said it would seek financing for its massive bauxite processing project in Tayan, West Kalimantan, next year after it completed negotiations with overseas partners to form a joint venture for the project.

Seven Depok councillors detained

Seven Depok councillors detained Evi Mariani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Jakarta Police detained seven former Depok councillors on Monday afternoon on graft charges. City police spokesman Sr. Comr. Tjiptono confirmed that the the councillors had been taken into custody at 8:45 p.m. following their questioning earlier. Earlier in the afternoon, city police anticorruption chief Adj. Sr. Comr.

Court delays verdict on 'Tempo'

Court delays verdict on 'Tempo' Urip Hudiono and Sari P. Setiogi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Central Jakarta District Court postponed on Monday its much- awaited verdict in the libel case against Tempo chief editor Bambang Harymurti. "We will deliver the verdict on Sept. 16 together with the verdicts on the other defendants, Ahmad Taufik and Teuku Iskandar Ali," presiding judge Soeripto.

JP/5/HEROIN

JP/5/HEROIN 2.3 kilograms of heroin seized in Bali Wahyoe Boediwardhana The Jakarta Post/Denpasar Denpasar Municipality Police detectives recently arrested two alleged heroin traffickers from South Africa, and seized 2.3 kilograms of heroin from them, a senior police officer said on Monday.

Agencies recognized for good service

Agencies recognized for good service Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta For the first time ever, President Megawati Soekarnoputri on Monday recognized 55 state agencies across the country for their success in boosting public services and reducing corruption in their organizations. The recipients were considered to have streamlined bureaucracy and improve public services. "There are a set of criteria that must be satisfied for the agencies to receive the awards.

Weak regulations blamed for campaign violations

Weak regulations blamed for campaign violations M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Election Supervisory Committee (Panwaslu) blamed on Monday flawed campaign regulations for "disguised campaigning" by the presidential candidates' election teams.

Rina hits four as E. Java maintains archery form

Rina hits four as E. Java maintains archery form Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Palembang East Java, led by Olympian Rina Dewi Puspitasari, won two more archery gold medals at the National Games on Monday, bringing its gold haul to six in the archery competition. The two golds on Monday came in the men's and women's team FITA Olympic round 70 meter, with East Java edging out West Java in both events.

Flights disrupted as haze worsens in Jambi

Flights disrupted as haze worsens in Jambi Jon Afrizal, The Jakarta Post, Jambi Increasing smoke and haze from bush and forest fires in the past week around Jambi city have disrupted flights and led to respiratory problems among residents. M. Sidabutar, the head of Sultan Thaha Airport Management, said on Monday that the worsening haze had decreased pilot visibility so many flights in and out of Jambi had to be delayed.

TV Program: Tuesday, September 7, 2004

TV Program: Tuesday, September 7, 2004 TVRI .TB.30" .90" 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News: Berita Pagi 7:05 Documentary 7:30 Sport News: Jurnal PON 8:30 Music: Asik-asik 10:00 Talk Show: Agribiz 11:00 Singing Contest: Konteswara 12:00 p.m.

Where to go in Bandung for Tuesday, September 7, 2004

Where to go in Bandung for Tuesday, September 7, 2004 Exhibition * Painting Hitam Putih, Kepada 10 Orang Bandung by Suherman, at Galeri Kita, Jl. R.E. Martadinata 209, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., until Sept. 11. Performances * Monologue Festival Mon-Fest, CCF (French Cultural Center), Jl. Purnawarman 32 (Tel. 022 4212417), 7:30 p.m.: Juru Kunci by Edi Sutardi (Sept. 10), Ingin Kucongkel Matamu by Ismet Majalaya (Sept. 17), Kontrabass by Wawan Sofwan (Sept.

Maluku refugee fund abused: Mayor

Maluku refugee fund abused: Mayor AMBON, Maluku: Ambon Mayor MJ Papilaja recently alleged that Rp 9 billion (US$957,446) in government refugee funds might have been embezzled by officials of the Maluku provincial government, depriving refugees in Ambon and other cities in Maluku of the assistance.

Aceh wins 1st gold, Rina 4th gold

Aceh wins 1st gold, Rina 4th gold Moch. N. Kurniawan and Eva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post, Palembang The conflict-torn province of Nangroe Aceh Darussalam won its first gold on Monday at the 16th National Games courtesy of Habli, who triumphed in the fencing competition. Habli won the gold in the men's individual epee after defeating Andre Senduk of North Sulawesi in the final at the IAIN sports hall.

Fantastic price of paper

Fantastic price of paper While holidaying in Bali in early August I became very frustrated at the price and availability of The Jakarta Post. The boys in the street would ask for 35,000 rupiah with a cheeky smile when 4,000 rupiah was the convenience store price. The stores never had your paper, saying delivery was between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. but delivery was unreliable and quickly absorbed. The Herald Tribune was an alternative as were the Australian papers for Rp 20,000 to 30,000.

'RRI' journalist writes Mega's story

'RRI' journalist writes Mega's story JAKARTA: Senior radio journalist Fredy Ndolu launched on Monday the biography of President Megawati Soekarnoputri. Titled Dia (She), the book is based on the author's personal experience while assigned by state radio station RRI to interview Megawati on numerous occasions since the time she was appointed vice president in 1999. He denied speculation that the book had been funded by the Megawati campaign team to help boost her image ahead of the Sept.

Airline industry says high-cost Thailand losing out in regional battle

Airline industry says high-cost Thailand losing out in regional battle Paul Peachey, Agence France-Presse, Bangkok Thailand is losing out to its rivals in the highly-competitive battle to become Asia's air hub with high costs prompting airlines to look for cheaper alternatives, the industry claimed on Monday.

Illegal logging has continued for years in Nusakambangan

Illegal logging has continued for years in Nusakambangan Together with journalists of other printed media, The Jakarta Post's Sri Wahyuni was recently invited to join an investigative team formed by the Yogyakarta-based Silvagama Foundation. Since 1999, the non-governmental organization has been researching illegal logging and the destruction of the natural environment of Nusakambangan, a prison island located south of the Central Java town of Cilacap.

New bill to lure highway investors: Minister

New bill to lure highway investors: Minister Rendi A. Witular, Jakarta The much-anticipated bill on toll roads is expected to facilitate the liberalization of the sector, paving the way for more foreign investment, a minister said. Minister of Settlement and Regional Infrastructure Soenarno said the bill was designed to open the toll road sector to private investors, while eliminating barriers that often surfaced during the construction phase of toll roads.

Serious attention to education needed

Serious attention to education needed JP/7/let Attention to education needed From Suara Karya With a population of roughly 220 million, Indonesia has about 18.7 million illiterate people and a high rate of school dropouts due to soaring educational costs. Meanwhile, a large number of school buildings are in disrepair. Unfortunately, the gloomy state of the education sector has not received proper attention from the government.

Police war on drugs taken to grassroots

Police war on drugs taken to grassroots Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The National Police force will shift its efforts from mere discussions and seminars to more concrete measures in fighting drug abuse, as the number of young drug abusers continues to rise nationwide. National Police Chief Gen.

ASEAN armies vow to fight terrorism, illegal arms

ASEAN armies vow to fight terrorism, illegal arms Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Army chiefs from Southeast Asian nations began on Monday talks on joint efforts to combat terrorism and illegal arms trafficking that have plagued the region in recent years. Indonesian Military (TNI) Commander Gen. Endriartono Sutarto suggested that the fifth annual meeting focus on a joint cooperation to crack down on groups with paramilitary training camps for terrorism purposes.

RI shares end lower on profit-taking

RI shares end lower on profit-taking Dow Jones, Jakarta Indonesian shares ended marginally lower Monday as investors, mostly local retails, took profit in select blue chips that rose in the previous seven sessions, dealers said. They said renewed concerns that the rupiah may weaken further, ahead of the presidential runoff Sept. 20, also added to negative sentiment. "Selling, however, wasn't that heavy," said a trader with a European securities firm.

Three Indonesians arrested in RP

Three Indonesians arrested in RP PHILIPPINES: Three Indonesians were arrested at the Philippines' premier international airport after illegal drugs were discovered in their luggage, a police official said on Monday. Sr. Supt. Bernardo Bondoc said the three Indonesians were nabbed late on Sunday at Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) shortly after arriving from Hong Kong.

1. Toll (1x37)

1. Toll (1x37) New bill to lure highway investors: Minister 2. Arta (1x32) Artajasa plans KL banking services 3. Bank (2x20) BI not to revise legal lending limit 4. UT (2x20) UT sells Komatsu stake to pay debilitating debt

Myanmar foreign investment up 94%

Myanmar foreign investment up 94% YANGON: Foreign investment in Myanmar jumped 94 percent in 2003 despite harsh economic sanctions on its military regime imposed by the United States, according to official statistics. The increase reflects foreign investment of $95.3 million in 2003, up from $49.2 million the previous year, according to a report published recently by the Ministry of National Planning and Development.

The medal table on the fifth day of the 16th National Games (PON)

The medal table on the fifth day of the 16th National Games (PON) in Palembang on Monday (as of 6:30 local time): Province G S B T 1 Jakarta 35 38 46 119 2 W. Java 35 22 25 82 3 E. Java 19 24 40 83 4 C. Java 19 15 21 55 5 Jambi 13 11 5 29 6 N. Sumatra 13 5 11 29 7 S. Sumatra 11 17 11 39 8 Riau 9 5 5 19 9 E. Kalimantan 5 7 14 26 10 Lampung 5 5 6 16 11 S. Kalimantan 4 3 2 9 12 Papua 3 6 4 13 13 Banten 3 4 10 17 14 W. Sumatra 3 2 5 10 15 N. Sulawesi 3 2 4 9 16 Yogyakarta 2 5 6 13 17 C.

'Quotas needed to limit car manufacturing'

'Quotas needed to limit car manufacturing' With 1.3 million passenger cars, part of a total of 2.6 million vehicles in the city, and increasing demand, Jakarta's streets are becoming more crowded, day by day. The enthusiasm people have for new cars is seen by the large numbers of people who flock to the ongoing Jakarta car and motorcycle shows. The Jakarta Post asked residents about whether there were too many cars in the city.

NTB prosecutors pressured to get tough on corruption

NTB prosecutors pressured to get tough on corruption Luh Putu Trisna Wahyuni, The Jakarta Post, Mataram More than 1,500 people rallied here on Monday to pressure prosecutors to complete their investigations into Rp 48 billion (US$5.3 million) worth of graft cases at several provincial and regency legislative councils.

Students urge hike in education budget

Students urge hike in education budget SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: Hundreds of Mulawarman University students held a rally on Monday here, demanding that the local government allocate a greater budget for education. The students said the provincial administration had allocated only Rp 2.6 billion of the Rp 3 trillion 2004 provincial budget toward education, or only 0.087 percent.

Emerging markets lead deposits, borrowing

Emerging markets lead deposits, borrowing Agence France-Presse, Basel, Switzerland Emerging market countries, notably in Asia, are proving to be among the most active international borrowers this year as well as the leading depositors in overseas banks, the Bank for International Settlements said on Monday in its quarterly report.

China to lower tariff on palm oil

China to lower tariff on palm oil Associated Press, Jakarta China has agreed to cut its tariff on refined palm oil products as part of wider plans to free up trade in the Asian region, an Indonesian producers' group said on Monday. Indonesian and Chinese officials have decided to include stearic acid - a product made from refining crude palm oil - on a list of low-tariff goods traded between China and Southeast Asian nations, the Indonesian Association of Oleo-Chemical Producers said.

Employers call for Jamsostek to enhance services

Employers call for Jamsostek to enhance services Fadli and Ridwan Max Sijabat, The Jakarta Post, Batam/Jakarta Employers have urged state-owned social security firm Jamsostek to improve its performance as a prerequisite to gain expatriate participation in its programs, in response to the recent issuance of Ministerial Decree No. 67/2004 on foreign workers' participation in social security schemes.

JP/5/FOCUS

JP/5/FOCUS Fourth bomb threat shakes Pekanbaru PEKANBARU, Riau: Pekanbaru city received on Monday the fourth bomb threat in the past three months, with the target this time the Pekanbaru Mall. A male telephone caller told a receptionist at the mall at about 1 p.m. that a bomb was set to explode in the mall. The receptionist called the police, who ordered the evacuation of the area. Officers combed the mall and the surrounding area on Jl. Teuku Umar before declaring the threat a hoax. -- JP

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.

Candidates availing of every opportunity to woo voters

Candidates availing of every opportunity to woo voters ID Nugroho and Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post/Surabaya/Jakarta Two weeks to go before the election runoff on Sept. 20, 2004, both presidential candidates are availing of every opportunity they can to woo the voters.

Gan bridges musical divide with his guitar

Gan bridges musical divide with his guitar Jim Read, Jakarta Post, Jakarta It never ceases to amaze that Jakarta's much-loved theater-cum- concert hall, Gedung Kesenian (GKJ), manages to remain an oasis of calm, even as the site on which it stands functions as a traffic island on the edge of Pasar Baru, Central Jakarta.

Dearth of new records on track and field opening day

Dearth of new records on track and field opening day Eva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post, Palembang Olympian Edi Zakaria set a new National Games (PON) record of 14.16 seconds in the men's 110-meter hurdles to earn East Java a gold medal on the opening day of the track and field competition at Sriwijaya Stadium here on Monday. Zulkarnain Purba of North Sumatra won silver with a time of 14.46 seconds and Rusli of East Java took the bronze in a time of 14.49 seconds.

Concerned by councillors

Concerned by councillors From Koran Tempo Compared to the news of the presidential runoff on Sept. 20, the recent news of the swearing-in of both provincial and regional councillors might not seem that interesting. Yet, we have to pay serious attention to these new councillors. We should be concerned because some of them have committed crimes. There is one councillor who was reported to the police for document forgery, and others are involved in corruption.

Journalists banned from attending Hanoi forum

Journalists banned from attending Hanoi forum Agence-France-Presse, Hanoi Communist Vietnam has banned journalists from covering the fifth Asia-Europe People's Forum in Hanoi, with organizers saying on Monday that there was not enough room to accommodate them. The announcement drew the ire of journalists who had traveled from various Southeast Asian countries to cover the three-day conference sponsored by the 25-nation Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM).

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.

Anwar moves to clear name, make political comeback

Anwar moves to clear name, make political comeback Agence France-Presse, Putrajaya, Malaysia Malaysia's highest court will decide on Tuesday whether to review the corruption conviction of former deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim, a move which could lead to his immediate return to politics.

Asylum seekers launch hunger strike in Malaysia

Asylum seekers launch hunger strike in Malaysia Agencies, Kuala Lumpur More than 130 asylum seekers from several Asian countries launched a hunger strike in a Malaysian detention center on Monday to protest the conditions and press for release, rights groups said on Monday.

*Akbar's pressure on Golkar said internal affairs Page 2

*Akbar's pressure on Golkar said internal affairs Page 2 *Factions reject TNI's power to take preemptive measures Page 4 *Flights disrupted as haze thickens in Jambi Page 5 *Will WTO deals help expand Indonesian farm exports? Page 6 *Traffic to worsen as new busway to start in October Page 8 *At least 90 dead, 77 missing in China storms Page 10 *Serena, Hewitt, Roddick advance at U.S.

Five police officers jailed for torturing drug suspect in Padang

Five police officers jailed for torturing drug suspect in Padang Syofiardi Bachyul Jb, The Jakarta Post, Padang The Padang District Court, West Sumatra, sentenced to prison five police officers for 18 months each on Monday for torturing a drug suspect so badly that the man died. However, the panel of judges led by Busra did not order the convicted defendants to be locked up immediately, as they had filed an appeal and will remain free.

Fourth bomb threat shakes Pekanbaru

Fourth bomb threat shakes Pekanbaru PEKANBARU, Riau: Pekanbaru city received on Monday the fourth bomb threat in the past three months, with the target this time the Pekanbaru Mall. A male telephone caller told a receptionist at the mall at about 1 p.m. that a bomb was set to explode in the mall. The receptionist called the police, who ordered the evacuation of the area. Officers combed the mall and the surrounding area on Jl. Teuku Umar before declaring the threat a hoax. -- JP

Part 2 of 2

Part 2 of 2 Fundamentals the cause of oil price turbulence Kurtubi Jakarta 2. WTO agreements and the enlargement of Indonesia agriculture exports: Opportunities, great uncertainties 2 x 30 WTO deals -- will they really help expand Indonesian farm exports? Kiki Verico Jakarta

Newmont manager defies summons

Newmont manager defies summons JAKARTA: Police postponed on Monday the questioning of PT Newmont Minahasa Raya external relations manager David Sompie as a suspect in the alleged contamination of Buyat Bay, North Sulawesi. The company's lawyer, Palmer Situmorang, told the police his client was mourning the death of his mother-in-law. "We have only delayed David's questioning for a week despite his lawyer's request for a three-week delay.

Robbery suspect killed in shootout

Robbery suspect killed in shootout JAKARTA: A suspected motorcycle thief, Suhanda, 35, was killed in a shootout with police detectives in Pamulang, Tangerang, on Sunday. "He died from a gunshot wound in the chest on the way to the Soekanto Police Hospital in Kramat Jati, East Jakarta," city police spokesman Sr. Comr. Tjiptono said on Monday. Suhanda was arrested on Saturday at his house in Banten for an alleged motorcycle robbery on Aug.

E. Timorese reiterate compensation demand

E. Timorese reiterate compensation demand SEMARANG: Some 25 former residents of East Timor descended upon the Central Java provincial administration on Monday, demanding that the Indonesian government pay the compensation promised to them after they fled East Timor in 1999. The East Timorese relocated to Indonesia, mostly to areas in Central Java, after East Timor claimed independence in 1999.

Part 2 of 2: Fundamentals the cause of oil price turbulence

Part 2 of 2: Fundamentals the cause of oil price turbulence Kurtubi, Jakarta A similar phenomenon is also found in India, which has a population of nearly a billion people. A rise in oil consumption is also found in the United States, the world's biggest oil- consuming country, accounting for 26 percent of the world's total oil consumption, which, in the fourth quarter of 2004 is expected to be between 83.5 and 84 million barrels per day.

Exhibition fever hits Kelapa Gading

Exhibition fever hits Kelapa Gading JAKARTA: The Kelapa Gading Mall in North Jakarta is set to hold a large number of exhibitions during September and October. The first is a car show and information technology exhibition, which will run from Sept. 2 to Sept. 14. The mall's public relations officer, Eky Merry, told Beritajakarta.com recently that the exhibitions were attract more people to the mall. An exhibition of fitness and sports equipment will run from Sept. 16 to Sept.

Locals block road to power project

Locals block road to power project Oyos Saroso H.N., The Jakarta Post, Bandarlampung Hundreds of villagers in East Lampung blocked off a section of the Sumatra East Coast Highway that is under repair in protest of a company they accuse of failing to honor its promise to provide electricity for their villages.

More aid needed for the elderly: Volunteers

More aid needed for the elderly: Volunteers Volunteers assisting the HelpAge Indonesia foundation said on Monday that 46 senior citizens taking part in the home care program in Tegal Alur subdistrict, West Jakarta, needed financial aid more than just visitors since most of them lived in poverty. "They (the elderly) are happy whenever I visit them.