Archive: 19 January 2005
79 articles found
Wed, 19 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Forestry ministry to begin repairing Aceh's mangrove forests
Forestry ministry to begin repairing Aceh's mangrove forests The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Ministry of Forestry says it will soon start the rehabilitation of tsunami-damaged mangrove forests in the coastal areas of Aceh and North Sumatra as part of a five-year plan to ensure the recovery of mangrove forests throughout Indonesia. The tidal wave, which hit both provinces on Dec.
Wed, 19 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Police officer probed for murder
Police officer probed for murder JAMBI, Jambi: Jambi Police have been questioning since Monday a middle-ranking police officer identified only as GBD alias Masheri for alleged murder. Jambi Police chief Comr. Bambang Sudarisman said that GBD had allegedly burned three people to death in Jambi and South Sumatra provinces since last year. The police had not determined his motive, said Bambang. -- JP
Wed, 19 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
First sharia-based mutual fund launched
First sharia-based mutual fund launched The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Asset management and financial services firm PT Insight Investments Management introduced on Monday Indonesia's first sharia-based fund management service in Indonesia called the i- Hajj Syariah Fund.
Wed, 19 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Government pledges annulment of bothersome local regulations
Government pledges annulment of bothersome local regulations Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The central government pledged on Tuesday to immediately revoke inappropriate regulations issued by local administrations that have increased the cost of doing business in the country and created a lack of legal certainty for investors.
Wed, 19 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
*Local government corruption runs rampant: ICW Page 2
*Local government corruption runs rampant: ICW Page 2 *VP office circular annoys House Page 4 *Regional direct elections to move ahead Page 5 *RI's recovery without governance reform? Page 6 *700 contract dengue in Jakarta, two die Page 8 *Growing drug furor overshadows action in Melbourne Page 10 *Scientists get to work on early warning system Page 11 *President promises support for gas industry Page 13 *Take care with mobile phones, health report says Page 17
Wed, 19 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
'I hope there will be more corridors'
'I hope there will be more corridors' At least 13 million people have used the busway since it was launched in mid-January 2004. The Jakarta Post asked some residents whether they appreciate the busway, which stretches between Blok M in South Jakarta and Kota in West Jakarta. Agastia, 24, works at an international school in South Jakarta. She lives with her family in Cinere, South Jakarta. The busway was very helpful when I worked part-time at two separate offices.
Wed, 19 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Investors urge govt to fix legal uncertainty, corruption
Investors urge govt to fix legal uncertainty, corruption Fabiola Desy Unidjaja and Rendi A. Witular The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Despite assurances from the President, Vice President and other top government officials that their money was safe here, some investors at the Infrastructure Summit on Tuesday remained concerned whether the reform commitments could be translated into action by the country's weak bureaucracy.
Wed, 19 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
New body for Aceh rebuilding planned
New body for Aceh rebuilding planned Kurniawan Hari and Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government said on Tuesday it would set up a special board tasked with undertaking the reconstruction work in disaster-hit Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam and North Sumatra provinces. The structure, duties and lifespan of the new board would be determined later following further discussion.
Wed, 19 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Thailand's tsunami-hit Phuket island offers gory souvenirs
Thailand's tsunami-hit Phuket island offers gory souvenirs by Eileen Ng = (PICTURES) = PHUKET, Thailand, Jan 18 (AFP) - Thailand's tsunami-hit Phuket island offers gory souvenirs Eileen Ng Agence France-Presse/Phuket A macabre souvenir industry is emerging on Thailand's resort island of Phuket, with tsunami VCDs, T-shirts and gory pictures of bloated corpses floating in the sea being snapped up by both local residents and tourists.
Wed, 19 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Advanced technology not yet lifesaving
Advanced technology not yet lifesaving Roger McDaniel, in his letter On early warning system (The Jakarta Post, Jan. 11) has a very good point with regard to why warnings or natural signs of a tsunami might be ignored. Taking it a step further, one could envisage, in the Wild, Wild West of Indonesia, hoax warnings being made to facilitate looting or even military searches. It is clear that advanced technology can do little to save lives within a primitive legal and administrative infrastructure.
Wed, 19 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
RI's recovery without governance reform?
RI's recovery without governance reform? HS Dillon and SR Tabor, Jakarta This morning, representatives of countries and institutions comprising the Consultative Group on Indonesia (CGI), which have been with Indonesia through thick and thin will be convening in Jakarta. This time around, they will be focusing on support for our medium-term development plan. No doubt attention will be given to assessing the needs of developing a new Aceh, free from conflict and injustice.
Wed, 19 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
President promises support for gas industry
President promises support for gas industry Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Despite the challenges faced by Indonesia's natural gas industry, the sector still had good prospects amid declining oil output here and should be attractive with the support of the government and investors, says President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.
Wed, 19 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
No more suspicions
No more suspicions From Koran Tempo The recent earthquake and tsunami that devastated Aceh and claimed hundreds of thousands of human lives have aroused great national concern and deep international sympathy, shown by many countries that have provided aid to relieve the victims' suffering. However, in the case of foreign assistance, many circles at home are suspicious that the presence of thousands of soldiers indicates a likely political agenda.
Wed, 19 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Seizing the momentum
Seizing the momentum It was really good move on the part of the government to send a special team led by Foreign Minister Hassan Wirayuda to Europe last week to follow up the initiatives by the governments of Germany, France, Italy and Britain, on debt moratorium to help Indonesia cope with the Dec. 26 earthquake and tsunami in northern Sumatra.
Wed, 19 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Residents seek closure of polluting companies
Residents seek closure of polluting companies Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Furious residents of Sukabumi Selatan subdistrict in West Jakarta demanded on Tuesday that the City Council close down dozens of laundry companies that have allegedly caused serious pollution in their areas. Protesting in front of the council building on Jl.
Wed, 19 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
After the tsunami
After the tsunami The unprecedented generosity in response to Asia's tsunami has reflected the sense that this is a different sort of tragedy. The success of the relief effort, by contrast, is bound to depend on the competence of governments. National pride may prove an obstacle: India's government refused foreign help, and then was slow to deliver assistance to the remote Andaman Islands; Indonesia's government has forbidden U.S.
Wed, 19 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
PLN Batam proposes $140m loan to ICBC
PLN Batam proposes $140m loan to ICBC Fadli, The Jakarta Post, Batam, Riau Islands The Batam office of state-owned electricity company, PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN), has proposed a US$140 million loan to the Industrial Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) to finance the construction of its two 50 Megawatt, coal-fired power plants. PLN Batam corporate secretary Binarto told The Jakarta Post on Tuesday that the proposal was submitted in mid 2004.
Wed, 19 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Malaysian GDP growth may slow to 5.7%, MIER says
Malaysian GDP growth may slow to 5.7%, MIER says Bloomberg Jakarta Malaysia's economic growth may slow to 5.7 percent this year from an estimated 7.2 percent in 2004, the Malaysian Institute of Economic Research said, as overseas demand for the nation's electronics falters. The economic think-tank, whose forecasts are closely followed by industry, expects Malaysia's U$115 billion economy to expand 5.3 percent in 2006.
Wed, 19 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Consolidation of state funds
Consolidation of state funds From Media Indonesia As a member of the House of Representatives Commission VI representing the National Awakening Party faction, I would like to express my views regarding State Minister of State Enterprises Sugiharto's plan to place the partnership and environment development fund (PKBL) or the small-scale businesses and cooperatives fund (PUKK) under the control of PT Permodalan Nasional Madani (PNM).
Wed, 19 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Two councillors probed for graft
Two councillors probed for graft SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: East Kalimantan Prosecutor's Office is probing the wealth of two former leading councillors in the province who are facing corruption charges. "Several prosecutors have been deployed to make an inventory of the wealth of former councillors in East Kalimantan and other provinces," said senior prosecutor Sugeng Purnomo on Tuesday.
Wed, 19 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
3 x 17
3 x 17 Vice presidential office circular annoys House JP/4/FAO 2 x 26 FAO to focus on providing relief aid in coastal areas JP/4/EDUCATION 2 x 26 Govt launches partnership program for high schools 2 x 27 NU ready to provide shelter to 20,000 Acehnese orphans JP/4/4Summit 1 x 40 Industrial relations face major problems
Wed, 19 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Govt launches partnership program for high schools
Govt launches partnership program for high schools The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government has launched a revamp of a partnership program between senior high schools in an endeavor to improve the quality of education and bridge the widening gap in standards between Java and the rest of the country. Speaking at a ceremony on Tuesday, Minister for National Education Bambang Sudibyo said the need for the program was urgent.
Wed, 19 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
RP legislator opposes Myanmar
RP legislator opposes Myanmar PHILIPPINES: A senior Philippine legislator urged the government on Tuesday to oppose Myanmar's chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2006. Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago, chairman of the Senate's foreign relations committee, said Myanmar must first improve its human rights record before being allowed to chair ASEAN. "We must insist that Myanmar first stop its human rights violations," she said.
Wed, 19 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Regional direct elections to move ahead
Regional direct elections to move ahead The Jakarta Post, Padang/Indramayu/Riau Islands/Jambi The direct election of regional heads should go ahead as planned, although funding issues and the absence of clear guidelines are still problems that need attention. In Padang, the province's General Elections Committee has proposed simultaneous elections for the West Sumatra governor and some regents and mayors in June to cut down on costs, time and possible election fraud.
Wed, 19 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Around 700 people get dengue, two die since December
Around 700 people get dengue, two die since December Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta At least two people have died and 692 others rushed to hospitals due to dengue fever since December 2004, a city health official says. Spokeswoman of Jakarta Health Agency Evy Zelvino said on Tuesday that the number of people with dengue fever was likely to increase due to the rainy season, which is expected to peak in January and February. "One person died last December and another in January.
Wed, 19 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
NU ready to provide shelter to 20,000 Acehnese orphans
NU ready to provide shelter to 20,000 Acehnese orphans Tiarma Siboro and Nana Rukmana, Jakarta/Cirebon Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), the country's largest Muslim organization, urged the government on Tuesday to revoke its ban on Acehnese children affected by the recent tsunami leaving the province.
Wed, 19 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Prevention is better than construction
Prevention is better than construction Following the devastating earthquake-triggered tsunamis that occurred on Dec. 26 and claimed well over 100,000 lives and unaccounted for material losses in Aceh and part of north Sumatra province, people will probably ask what the government can do in the future to minimize the destruction of similar disasters.
Wed, 19 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Investors urged to play role in ensuring security
Investors urged to play role in ensuring security Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Minister of Defense Juwono Soedarsono urged the corporate sector to share the responsibility of providing stable security conditions in the country by ensuring the welfare of their employees as well as help improve the welfare of local communities.
Wed, 19 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Governor approves graft investigation
Governor approves graft investigation KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Governor Piet Tallo has finally approved the police's investigation of 18 NTT council members who have been charged with involvement in corruption. The letter of approval was signed by the governor on Jan. 13, said Yos Mamulak, NTT provincial administration governance division head, on Tuesday.
Wed, 19 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Indonesian Lost About 30,000 Hectares of Farm Land
Indonesian Lost About 30,000 Hectares of Farm Land Bloomberg/Jakarta Indonesia lost about 30,000 hectares (74,000 acres) of agricultural land in the Dec. 26 tsunami, United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization Director General Jacques Diouf said at a briefing in the capital, Jakarta. Diouf said salinity of the soil caused by the flooding sea water is a major problem. "We need to ensure that we deal with the problem of salt as quickly as possible," Diouf said today.
Wed, 19 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
1. ICW (45) - 48 pts 3 cols 3lines (3x15)
1. ICW (45) - 48 pts 3 cols 3lines (3x15) Local government corruption running rampant, says ICW 2. DPR (40) - 36 pts 4cols 1lines (1x28) New body for Aceh rebuilding planned 3. CGI (40) - 36 pts 4 cols 1line (1x28) WB cautions RI on use of CGI funds 4. Meunasah (65) - 36 pts 3cols 2lines (2x21) 'Meunasah' play strategic role in the life of Acehnese --- 5. Photos --2 pieces, graphs 2pieces, odd
Wed, 19 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
TV Program: Thursday, January 20, 2005
TV Program: Thursday, January 20, 2005 .TB.30" .90" TVRI 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News: Berita Pagi 7:00 Cartoon: Maya the Bee 8:00 Cartoon: Hero Classics 8:30 Music: Asyik-Asyik 10:00 Talk Show: Wirausaha 11:00 Sport Documentary 12:00 p.m.
Wed, 19 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
WB cautions RI on use of CGI funds
WB cautions RI on use of CGI funds Urip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta With Indonesia's economy steadily improving, pledges from donors grouped in the Consultative Group on Indonesia (CGI) could be used for longer-term development needs, rather than just for budgetary purposes, the World Bank said.
Wed, 19 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
FAO to focus on providing relief aid in coastal areas
FAO to focus on providing relief aid in coastal areas Hera Diani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) announced on Tuesday that it would focus on resuscitating the livelihoods and socioeconomic activities of fishermen affected by the recent devastating tsunami in Aceh.
Wed, 19 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia's tsunami-ruined men mull migrating in search of jobs,
Indonesia's tsunami-ruined men mull migrating in search of jobs, new life[ Eds: ///Recaps pvs///[ AP Photos XSP101-103[ By EDWARD HARRIS= Associated Press Writer= BANDA ACEH, Indonesia (AP) - Menfolk mull migrating in search of jobs, new life Edward Harris Associated Press/Banda Aceh Siffudin beached his wooden skiff in the predawn calm and carried his freshly caught fish to an inland market just hours before the ocean reared back like a cocked fist and crushed Indonesia's coast.
Wed, 19 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Residents told to brace for floods
Residents told to brace for floods Damar Harsanto and Theresia Sufa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Bogor The city administration has warned residents to remain vigilant for floods amid heavy rain in Jakarta since Monday evening. "We advise residents to evacuate to the nearest temporary shelter should the water inundating their homes not recede within three to six hours," the secretary of the flood and disaster task force, Soebagio, said at City Hall on Tuesday.
Wed, 19 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Vice presidential office circular annoys House
Vice presidential office circular annoys House Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A vice presidential office circular criticizing recent hearings between the government and the House of Representatives has received a strong reaction from legislators, who said it could harm relations between the two state institutions. The circular, which was signed by vice presidential office secretary Prijono Tjiptoherijanto and issued on Dec.
Wed, 19 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
SOEs seek partners in infrastructure projects: Minister
SOEs seek partners in infrastructure projects: Minister Zakki P. Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta State-owned enterprises are ready to become investors' strategic partners and have already contributed one-fifth of the total funds needed for infrastructure projects in the country during the next five years, the SOE minister says.
Wed, 19 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Court throws out lawsuit against KPK
Court throws out lawsuit against KPK JAKARTA: The Central Jakarta Court on Tuesday rejected a lawsuit by two suspects in a Rp 8 billion (US$869,565) corruption case against the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) over the legality of their detention and investigation. Judge Martini Mardja said the detention of Harun Let Let and Tarcisius Walla was legal and in line with procedure.
Wed, 19 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
KPK continues Monsanto probe
KPK continues Monsanto probe JAKARTA: The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) will question Michael Villareal, former vice president of Harvest International consulting company, and a number of Indonesian government officials in connection with the bribery scandal involving U.S.-based Monsanto Co. KPK deputy chairman Erry Riyana Hardjapamekas said on Tuesday that Villareal has agreed to come to his office next week.
Wed, 19 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Guineans nabbed for cheating
Guineans nabbed for cheating JAKARTA: City police arrested on Tuesday two Guinea citizens for allegedly tricking businessman Heru Purnama of US$114,000 into believing that he could multiply his dollars using their equipment. Ali Lazarus, 34, and Mozes Lazarus, 25, were nabbed at Park Lane Hotel in South Jakarta after Heru reported them to the city police headquarters. City police special crime unit deputy chief Adj. Sr. Comr.
Wed, 19 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
[b]
Around 700 people get dengue, two die since December 2. Polusi: 36 pt 3/2 2 X 22 Residents seek closure of polluting companies 3. Refugee: 36 pt 3/2 2 X 20 Displaced Acehnese fight uncertainty
Wed, 19 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Figo to help Indonesian tsunami survivor
Figo to help Indonesian tsunami survivor Real Madrid's Portuguese star Luis Figo wants to help a seven- year-old tsunami victim who was rescued in Indonesia over the weekend wearing a Portugal team jersey after spending three weeks alone. "It is an incredible story. To find a child who survived so many days without eating, on top of it all wearing Portugal's jersey, is almost a miracle," he told Portuguese daily Correio da Manha.
Wed, 19 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
RI to hold conference on tsunami early warning system
RI to hold conference on tsunami early warning system Veeramalla Anjaiah, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia -- a country that has suffered more than 115,000 deaths in the Dec. 26 disaster -- will host an international conference primarily focused on a tsunami early warning system in close cooperation with Germany, Foreign Minister Hassan Wirayuda announced in Jakarta.
Wed, 19 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Actor Tora Sudiro goes with the flow
Actor Tora Sudiro goes with the flow Bruce Emond, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta For Tora Sudiro, getting from point A of the entrance of a South Jakarta cafe to point B of his waiting table means making a few pitstops along the way. As the actor knows at least one person at each of the three other occupied tables, a bit of obligatory gladhanding and jokey asides are all part of his newfound brush with the fame game.
Wed, 19 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
TV Today: Friday, January 21, 2005
TV Today: Friday, January 21, 2005 .TB.30" .90" TVRI .tb .30" .90" 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News: Berita Pagi 7:00 Ied Prayers 8:30 Music: Asik-Asik 10:30 Religious Teachings 1:00 p.m. News: Berita Siang 1:30 Documentary 2:00 Music 3:00 English News Service 4:30 Documentary 5:00 Cartoon: Tabaluga 6:00 TV Drama: Apa Kabar Bangsamu 7:00 News: Berita Nasional 8:00 TV Series: Demigods 9:00 News: Dunia Dalam Berita 9:30 Music: Keroncong 10:30 Sports: Arena dan Juara TPI 5:30 a.m.
Wed, 19 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
See sincerity in foreign help
See sincerity in foreign help V.K. Chin, The Star/Asia News Network, Selangor, Malaysia Indonesia's clarification that there is no fixed date for foreign military personnel involved in relief work in Aceh to leave its soil following the Dec. 26 tsunami should be welcomed by countries whose forces are operating there.
Wed, 19 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
NGOs reject journalist games
NGOs reject journalist games PEKANBARU, Riau: A group of four non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have rejected the Riau provincial administration's plan to host a sporting event for journalists between Feb. 8 to Feb. 14, saying it would burden the Riau people. The group of NGOs were particularly opposed to the Riau government's funding of the games, which would cost it Rp 6 billion (US$666,666).
Wed, 19 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Livestock sold here without document
Livestock sold here without document JAKARTA: Most sales of livestock here ahead of Idul Adha (Day of Sacrifice) are illegal, said an official of the City Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Agency on Tuesday. "We find it difficult to monitor the health of livestock traded here ahead of the festivity as most of them are brought by traders from areas outside Jakarta," said Chaidir Taufik. He said that none of the traders had reported their livestock to the agency, so far. According to Bylaw No.
Wed, 19 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Amid devastation, news of hope -- a son is born
Amid devastation, news of hope -- a son is born Irwan Firdaus, Associated Press/Banda Aceh, Aceh I've seen many tragedies in Indonesia, from the slayings of 1,500 people in East Timor in 1999 by Indonesian troops to battles between Christians and Muslims that killed nearly 10,000 in the Maluku islands. Nothing prepared me for what awaited when I arrived in devastated Aceh province from Jakarta to report on the tsunami's aftermath. I never imagined such utter destruction was possible.
Wed, 19 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
[b]
RI's recovery without governance reform? HS Dillon and SR Tabor Jakarta 2. Ben -- Be mindful and vigilant 1 x 30 Learning to be mindful and vigilant Benny Susetyo Pr Jakarta
Wed, 19 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Industrial relations face major problems
Industrial relations face major problems Ridwan Max Sijabat, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Despite a strong legal basis, Indonesia is still facing major hurdles in developing harmonious industrial relations between employers and workers, says a government official.
Wed, 19 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
New security fears rattle aid effort in Indonesia's Aceh
New security fears rattle aid effort in Indonesia's Aceh by Karl Malakunas = (PICTURES) = ATTENTION - RECASTS, INSERTS World Bank assessment, WFP assessment /// BANDA ACEH, Indonesia, Jan 18 (AFP) - New security fears jarred aid efforts in tsunami-hit Indonesia Tuesday while officials gave up trying to count the dead and the UN pledged to speed the departure of foreign military missions.
Wed, 19 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Shuttlers getting cold feet about weather forecast for Korea Open
Shuttlers getting cold feet about weather forecast for Korea Open Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta With the six-star Noonnoppi Korea Open set to begin next week, local shuttlers are worried that the wintry weather in Incheon City may adversely affect their performances. Top men's doubles shuttler Luluk Hadiyanto said the notoriously low temperatures would provide another challenge for him and partner Alven Yulianto to defend their title at the tournament.
Wed, 19 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
'We never know when our time is up'
'We never know when our time is up' Ruslan Sangadji, Banda Aceh, Aceh Usually addressed as Ibu Ina, Inayah Sa'adudin, the wife of the former North Aceh regent, has her own story about coping with the earthquake and the tsunami that recently hit Aceh. It is about how she saved herself, but also about how, driving the truck herself, she carried away dead bodies found around her house. Ibu Ina, the mother of Nailini Tarmidzi 17, Raburrayan 15, M. Fakhri 12 and M.
Wed, 19 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
N. Sumatra plantations produce generations of poor workers
N. Sumatra plantations produce generations of poor workers Ridwan Max Sijabat The Jakarta Post/Pematang Siantar, North Sumatra North Sumatra has long been known for its large oil palm, cocoa and rubber plantations, but they have contributed little to the local people's welfare over the centuries. Bedjo Kirnadi, a 47-year-old worker of state-owned PT Perkebunan Nusantara IV (PTPN IV), raised his eyebrows when asked what changes he had seen during his 24 years at the palm oil plantation.
Wed, 19 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Workers demand governor's resignation
Workers demand governor's resignation BATAM, Riau Islands: Some 5,000 workers on Batam staged another protest on Tuesday, demanding Riau Islands acting governor Ismeth Abdullah's resignation over his failure to improve workers' welfare. The acting governor was condemned for not raising the minimum wage in Batam from Rp 635,000 (US$70.5) to Rp 728,000 a month, a hike that the workers had been demanding for the last few months.
Wed, 19 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
'Soccer players need to be more disciplined'
'Soccer players need to be more disciplined' In five short months, Indonesia coach Peter Withe steered his team to a Tiger Cup final berth. The team finished second best on Sunday in Singapore, Withe tells The Jakarta Post's Moch. N. Kurniawan that all is not lost for the future. Although our team lost 1-3 at home and 1-2 away in Singapore, we have shown to people that Indonesia can play exciting soccer.
Wed, 19 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Govt told to remedy legal uncertainties
Govt told to remedy legal uncertainties Fabiola Desy Unidjaja and Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Despite assurances from the President, Vice President and other top government officials that their money was safe here, some investors at the Infrastructure Summit on Tuesday remained concerned whether the reform commitments could be translated into action by the country's weak bureaucracy.
Wed, 19 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
French firm plans to develop railroads in Aceh, Surabaya
French firm plans to develop railroads in Aceh, Surabaya Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta As the government has been concentrating on further developing the rail network on Java, French rail company SNCF International plans to restore the network connecting Banda Aceh and Medan, as well to explore a possibility of a commuter line in Surabaya.
Wed, 19 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia reschedules LNG shipment
Indonesia reschedules LNG shipment Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesia is to delay the shipment of 51 cargoes of liquefied natural gas to buyers in Japan, South Korea and Taiwan this year, says a top executive of the state oil and gas firm, PT Pertamina. The company's trading and marketing director, Ari Soemarno, said that 42 cargoes were from the Bontang plant in East Kalimantan and the other nine from Arun in Aceh.
Wed, 19 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
BII stake sale raises Rp1.35 trillion
BII stake sale raises Rp1.35 trillion Bloomberg, Jakarta The government raised about Rp 1.35 trillion (US$147 million) from the sale of 15.25 percent stake in Bank Internasional Indonesia (BII), the country's sixth-largest lender, the asset- sale agency said. The government received demand for 2.5 times the 7.29 billion shares it offered international and local investors, said Renny Rorong on Tuesday, a spokesman at PT Perusahaan Pengelola Aset (PPA).
Wed, 19 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Local government corruption running rampant, says ICW
Local government corruption running rampant, says ICW M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Corruption is widespread throughout the country's 32 provinces, with the tsunami-devastated Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam province being among the worst offenders, an anticorruption watchdog has revealed.
Wed, 19 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
`Meunasah' play strategic role in the life of Acehnese
`Meunasah' play strategic role in the life of Acehnese Ruslan Sangadji, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh, Aceh The off-white, two-story building looks conspicuous in the Peunyerat neighborhood in western Banda Aceh. From the rounded entranceway and the green steel doors, it is not all that obvious, but a miniature minaret outside gives it away. For most people of Aceh, the meunasah is not the same as mushollah, the mini-mosque found in many villages in Java.
Wed, 19 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia's appointment to UN rights body welcomed
Indonesia's appointment to UN rights body welcomed Adianto P. Simamora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Several human rights campaigners welcomed on Tuesday the appointment of Indonesia's Makarim Wibisono as a new chairman of the UN Human Rights Commission and asked the government to soon take action to improve the country's human rights record.
Wed, 19 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
RI still has major problems in industrial relations
RI still has major problems in industrial relations Ridwan Max Sijabat The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Despite a strong legal basis, Indonesia is still facing major hurdles in developing harmonious industrial relations between employers and workers, says a government official.
Wed, 19 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Germans open hearts, wallets to tsunami victims
Germans open hearts, wallets to tsunami victims Agencies, Berlin/Jakarta In just three weeks, the German public has donated a record 400 million euros (US$522 million) in aid for victims of the Asian tsunamis, making Germany on Monday the most generous country worldwide in helping the Indian Ocean region recover from the disaster. "Four hundred million euros in private donations have been collected.
Wed, 19 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Open, green space continues to shrink
Open, green space continues to shrink JAKARTA: Environmentalist Ahmad "Puput" Safrudin blasted the Jakarta administration's policy to allow aggressive conversion of open and green space in the city into building premises, citing that the disappearance of the space contributed to the worsening air quality in the city.
Wed, 19 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Jan.18, 2005
Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Jan.18, 2005 _____________________________________________________________________________ Share Close Change Trading Volume _____________________________________________________________________________ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 240 5 60,000 Ades Alfindo Tbk 2,300 0 51,500 Adhi Karya 850 -30 37,418,500 Adira Dinamika 2,800 100 2,500 AGIS Tbk 95 0 1,446,500 Akbar Indo Makmur 140 -20 17,000 AKR Corporindo Tbk 1,130 0 1,132,000 Alakasa Industrindo...
Wed, 19 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Driving in Jakarta
Driving in Jakarta Regarding The Jakarta Post's article --Driving in Jakarta to slow to snail's pace by 2020 on Dec. 17 -- I take the liberty to send my opinion as follows: The cheap partial solution to traffic in Jakarta is to enforce the "intersection blocking rule". This violation must be treated the same as running a red light or a stop sign. This rule states a vehicle may not enter the intersection unless the space in front is sufficient to make sure the intersection is not blocked.
Wed, 19 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Golf's Asian Tour sets tsunami benefit
Golf's Asian Tour sets tsunami benefit SINGAPORE: Stars of golf's Asian Tour will play a charity tournament later this month to raise money for victims of the earthquake and tsunami that devastated much of the region, tour organizers said on Tuesday. The Tsunami Relief Fund Pro-Am will be played on Jan. 31 at Singapore's Sentosa Golf Club with each team competing contributing a minimum of S$5,000 (US$3,000; euro2,300).
Wed, 19 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Scientists get to work on early warning system
Scientists get to work on early warning system Agencies, Kobe, Japan More than 150 countries got to work on Tuesday on drafting a global action plan to save lives during disasters, with the United Nations saying the effort needed to be quicker and better funded in the wake of the Asian tsunamis.
Wed, 19 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Funds pledged for RP SEAG athletes
Funds pledged for RP SEAG athletes Associated Press, Manila Philippine companies led by food and beverage giant San Miguel Corp. pledged at least 120 million pesos (US$2.14 million, euro1.6 million) to fund training for Filipino athletes in the Southeast Asian Games late this year, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's husband said Tuesday. The cash strapped country, faced by a mounting deficit, has little funds to fully support its athletes, said lawyer Jose Miguel "Mike" Arroyo.
Wed, 19 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Tsunami-hit Asia appeals to hesitant tourists to return
Tsunami-hit Asia appeals to hesitant tourists to return Christopher Bodeen, Associated Press, Singapore Tsunami-wracked Asia has a new appeal to would-be helpers: Take a vacation. "If you have not planned a visit, please consider booking a trip. If you wish to make a difference, visit," the president of the Bangkok-based Pacific Asia Travel Association, Peter de Jong, said in a recent appeal to travelers.
Wed, 19 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia baby-selling ring broken up
Indonesia baby-selling ring broken up Malaysian police said on Tuesday they had arrested nine people in a baby-selling case reportedly involving 27 Indonesian infants over the last six months. A police spokeswoman said five Indonesians were among the nine arrested, who included two elderly women caught in a police trap after offering to sell a 25-day-old baby girl for 18,000 ringgit (US$4,737 dollars). A woman who had been offered the baby called the police who then set the trap, she said.
Wed, 19 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Learning to be mindful and vigilant
Learning to be mindful and vigilant Benny Susetyo Pr, Jakarta The recent catastrophe in Aceh and Nias is possibly the peak of misfortune in the history of Indonesia. It is indeed the destiny we have to accept with resignation and fortitude. It was predestined by nature to be a reminder to us all of the need for constant introspection. In the words of a Javanese literary man famous for his prophecies, men at the end of times should always be mindful and vigilant.
Wed, 19 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Acehnese refugee struggles with uncertainty in Jakarta
Acehnese refugee struggles with uncertainty in Jakarta The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The woman wept in the middle of a mattress on the floor of a well-furnished room as she described how she saved the lives of her four children when the tsunami struck Aceh on Dec. 26.
Wed, 19 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Some Aceh survivors still not getting full access to disaster aid
Some Aceh survivors still not getting full access to disaster aid M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Many survivors in tsunami-devastated Aceh are still out of reach of humanitarian assistance, although international and domestic aid continues to pour into the area, a senior UN official says. World Food Programme (WFP) Asia director Anthony Banbury said on Tuesday the agency was still trying to reach the many Dec.
Wed, 19 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
No more suspicions
No more suspicions From Koran Tempo The recent earthquake and tsunami that devastated Aceh and claimed hundreds of thousands of human lives have aroused great national concern and deep international sympathy, shown by many countries that have provided aid to relieve the victims' suffering. However, in the case of foreign assistance, many circles at home are suspicious that the presence of thousands of soldiers indicates a likely political agenda.