Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 22 January 2005

81 articles found

Total to spend $1 billion in Indonesia this year

Total to spend $1 billion in Indonesia this yearLeony Aurora, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Oil and gas giant Total E&P Indonesia plans to spend US$1 billion this year to boost production and make up for declining output from other producers that supply PT Badak NGL in Bontang, one of the nation's two...

President favors out-of-court settlement for media disputes

President favors out-of-court settlement for media disputesMuninggar Sri Saraswati The Jakarta Post/JakartaPresident Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has reiterated his support for press freedom, promising that the government would settle disputes with the media out of court.

Mirza's fairy-tale run ends

Mirza's fairy-tale run ends Sania Mirza arrived at the Australian Open last week with little fanfare and modest ambitions. On Friday, she left as a star in her homeland and with the praise of Serena Williams.

Fairy-tale run ends for Mirza

Fairy-tale run ends for Mirza Sania Mirza arrived at the Australian Open last week with little fanfare and modest ambitions. On Friday, she left as a star in her homeland and with the praise of Serena Williams.

Won drops, Asian currencies poised for weekly gain

Won drops, Asian currencies poised for weekly gainBloomberg, Singapore South Korea's won fell for the second day on speculation the central bank will sell it to protect the earnings of exporters after an official said that the currency rose "too fast."The won's 0.

Graft suspects being questioned

Graft suspects being questioned SAMARINDA: Two suspects in an alleged graft case involving the East Kalimantan Provincial Council's operational budget worth Rp 85 billion (US$9.4 million) were again being questioned at the local prosecutor's office on Thursday.

Thousands line up for free meat at Istiqlal Mosque

Thousands line up for free meat at Istiqlal MosqueThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta Over 3,000 people, mostly from the lower income bracket, lined up at the Istiqlal Mosque, Central Jakarta, to get their share of sacrificial meat during the Idul Adha celebration on Friday.

JP/4/PRESS

JP/4/PRESS1 x 45 Legal action against media 'only last resort' 1 x 33 BIN accuses foreigners of spying JP/4/BAASYIR2 x 26 Bali bomber says he had no links with cleric Ba'asyir JP/4/4labor 'High-cost economy' curbs better pay

BIN accuses foreigners of spying agenda in Aceh

BIN accuses foreigners of spying agenda in AcehKurniawan Hari The Jakarta Post/JakartaState Intelligence Agency (BIN) head Syamsir Siregar has called on the government to be alert to possible spying from foreign forces deployed in tsunami-devastated Aceh for relief aid operations.

Shares end at record high on economic hopes

Shares end at record high on economic hopesDow Jones, Jakarta The Indonesian stock market ended at a record high on Thursday on expectations that a meeting of international lenders, the Consultative Group on Indonesia, would produce positive results later that day, dealers said.

Curbing Indonesia's army

Curbing Indonesia's army The scale of the tsunami disaster and continuing health risks in Indonesia's Aceh Province are almost beyond comprehension.Unfortunately, Indonesia's politically powerful army is not used to putting humanitarianism first.

BIN accuses foreigners of spying agenda in Aceh

BIN accuses foreigners of spying agenda in AcehKurniawan Hari The Jakarta Post/JakartaState Intelligence Agency (BIN) head Syamsir Siregar has called on the government to be alert to possible spying from foreign forces deployed in tsunami-devastated Aceh for relief aid operations.

White cockatoo population dwindling

White cockatoo population dwindlingIndra Harsaputra, The Jakarta Post/Surabaya The population of White Cockatoo (Cacatua alba) in North Maluku is dwindling due to uncontrolled poaching. More than 500 of them are traded in Jakarta and other places annually, say an environmental group.

PEAC Jakarta unit launched to boost SME financing access

PEAC Jakarta unit launched to boost SME financing accessThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta In an effort to help develop and empower small-to medium- sized enterprises (SMEs), a Jakarta unit of an agency designed to promote SMEs's access to financing was launched on Thursday.

1. IDUL: 1 x 25

1. IDUL: 1 x 25 Idul Adha brings temporary relief 2. CGI: 2 X 12 Group pledges $2.8b to RI for this year 3. FLOOD: 4 X 9 Flooding recedes, vigilance urged 4. REAX: 1 X 22 Bush speech welcomed; worries some

Group pledges $2.8b for RI for this year

Group pledges $2.8b for RI for this yearUrip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Impressed with the government's medium-term development plan for sustaining and improving the economy, the Consultative Group on Indonesia (CGI) pledged on Thursday to provide US$2.

Foreign troops could leave tsunami zone in a month: UN

Foreign troops could leave tsunami zone in a month: UNAgence France-Presse, Bangkok Most foreign troops operating in tsunami-devastated areas, such as Indonesia's Aceh province, could be home in a month, the UN head of tsunami coordination efforts Margareta Wahlstrom said on Friday.

Surya reaches out to tsunami victims

Surya reaches out to tsunami victimsM. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Despite the severity of the monstrous tsunami that washed away large parts of Aceh and North Sumatra, it was business as usual for most private television stations here.

Tsunami VCD sells well

Tsunami VCD sells well BATAM, Riau Islands: Tragic scenes of the tsunami disaster aired on television are now available on VCD and have became a bestseller for traders in Batam.Priced between Rp 10,000 (US$1.

Adiguna's case file returned to police investigators

Adiguna's case file returned to police investigatorsThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta The city prosecutor's office returned the case file of suspected killer Adiguna Sutowo to the Jakarta Police on Thursday as the documentation of evidence in the file was insufficient.

A day to grieve, to hope

A day to grieve, to hopeRuslan Sangadji and Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post/Banda Aceh Today's menu: kare daging (beef or mutton curry). In the huge army tent inside the TVRI compound in Banda Aceh, within the 12-square meter area designated as their quarters, Mardiati and 12 members of her family...

1. Rift (45) - 48 pts 3 cols 3lines (3x18)

1. Rift (45) - 48 pts 3 cols 3lines (3x18) Susilo-Kalla rivalry may hamper road to effective governance 2. Sermon (40) - 36 pts 4cols 1lines (1x30) Aceh dominates Idul Adha sermons 3. Cabinet (40) - 36 pts 4 cols 1line (1x30) SBY to confirm role of presidential aides 4.

Malaysian entrepreneur turns waste to wealth

Malaysian entrepreneur turns waste to wealthJason Cheah, Asia News Network/The Star Originally from Kampar, Perak, Olivia Lum worked her way though college and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the National University of Singapore.

New Indo-Pakistan tension puzzles analysts

New Indo-Pakistan tension puzzles analystsElizabeth Roche, Agence France-Presse/New Delhi Two nights of mortars crashing into Indian Kashmir from Pakistan have Indian analysts puzzled over Pakistani intentions and the implications for a tentative peace process between the nuclear- armed nations.

Saudi to donate US$130m for Aceh

Saudi to donate US$130m for Aceh JAKARTA: The government and citizens of Saudi Arabia have pledged US$130 million for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Aceh following the devastating earthquake and tsunami on Dec. 26.

Are rising foreign buyouts a national threat?

Are rising foreign buyouts a national threat?Jasper S. Kim, The Korea Herald/Asia News Network, Seoul A clear pattern has emerged recently of foreigners taking increasingly larger positions in Korean assets, such as KOSPI shares, domestic banks and local real estate.

Susilo-Kalla rivalry may hamper road to effective governance

Susilo-Kalla rivalry may hamper road to effective governanceM. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta A rift between President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and his deputy, Jusuf Kalla, has reached a critical stage and if not kept in check could hamper the way to effective governance, analysts say.

Consolidation of state funds

Consolidation of state fundsFrom Media IndonesiaAs 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...

Flood victims in Lampung starting to fall sick

Flood victims in Lampung starting to fall sickOyos Saroso H.N., The Jakarta Post/Bandarlampung Five days after floods inundated many parts of Lampung, the number of people affected by the disaster is on the rise, while some of them have started to fall ill.

Looting of logistics in Aceh

Looting of logistics in AcehFrom Koran Tempo In a discussion with Asmara Diah Saputra on Jan. 7, Radio 68H focused attention on the looting of logistics sent to Aceh to help tsunami victims.Asmara drew attention to the cruelty of members of the separatist Free Aceh Movement (GAM), despite measures...

Mercy Corps. get refugees going

Mercy Corps. get refugees goingTony Hotland The Jakarta Post/Banda AcehWhile many survivors in the tsunami-battered province of Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam are either sleeping inside makeshift shelters or waiting for others' mercy for their daily needs, a handful of others are practicing the maxim "no...

Tunas Finance targets profit increase of 70 percent in 2005

Tunas Finance targets profit increase of 70 percent in 2005The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Betting on continued robust demand, PT Tunas Financindo Sarana (Tunas Finance), an automotive financing company under PT Tunas Ridean, is targeting an increase in net profit of almost 70 percent for this year.

Dragon fruit has good prospects for growers

Dragon fruit has good prospects for growersSlamet Susanto, The Jakarta Post/Yogyakarta The term "dragon fruit" (Hylocereus undatus), or buah naga as it is known locally, probably still sounds strange to many Indonesian ears.

*Analysts see serious rift between Susilo and Kalla Page 2

*Analysts see serious rift between Susilo and Kalla Page 2 *Legal action against media 'only last resort' Page 4 *Zainoel Abidin run by concerned doctors Page 5 *Truly religious people reject fanaticism Page 7 *Thousands line up for meat at Istiqlal Page 8 *Rockets soar past Magic, Mavericks beat...

Managing Aceh relief and reconstruction

Managing Aceh relief and reconstruction As the initial horror of the tsunami catastrophe recedes and emergency aid flows into the most affected areas, commentators are raising doubts over the management of the billions of dollars committed for relief and the reconstruction of Aceh.

Christian aid shows pulpit's shifting power

Christian aid shows pulpit's shifting powerBrian Murphy, Associated Press/Ladong, Aceh The Americans in matching T-shirts were hugged as heroes when they arrived one afternoon with clean water and medical care.

Angkasa Pura to settle tax arrears

Angkasa Pura to settle tax arrears TANGERANG: The operator of Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, PT Angkasa Pura (AP) II, has promised to settle arrears in advertisement taxes since 2002, worth Rp 2 billion (US$220,000) to Tangerang municipality.

'High-cost economy' curbs better pays

'High-cost economy' curbs better paysRidwan Max Sijabat, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Employers, labor unions and the government have agreed to eliminate the high-cost economy in an endeavor to help repair the investment climate and improve workers' welfare.

Shares in Santos up after RI oil find

Shares in Santos up after RI oil find SYDNEY: Shares in Australian oil producer Santos Ltd. rose on Friday after it reported the biggest oil strike in its 50-year history off Indonesia.Santos said its Jeruk well, in waters about 42 kilometers off the Indonesian city of Surabaya, had exceeded...

ITS develops oil study

ITS develops oil study SURABAYA: The geophysics laboratory at Surabaya's Sepuluh November Technology Institute (ITS) will be turned into an oil and gas study center before making it into a study program in two to three years time.

City plans to insure parked cars on streets

City plans to insure parked cars on streetsThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta The city administration plans to insure all vehicles parked on street shoulders with the potential compensation reaching up to Rp 200 million (US$22,222), an official says.

Why is God angry? Acehnese speak up

Why is God angry? Acehnese speak upThe Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh The devastating earthquake and tsunamis that killed over 166,000 people and displaced another half a million in Aceh have not shaken the faith of the people, who are known for their strong devotion to Islam.

1. ANALYSIS: 1 LINE, 49 COUNTS

1. ANALYSIS: 1 LINE, 49 COUNTS Bush gives himself wide latitude with 'war on tyranny' 2. MENA: 3 LINES, 15 COUNTS Pilgrims perform devil-stoning ritual in Mena 3. WOMEN: 1 LINE, 40 counts Relief operations 'must know women's needs' 4. EURO: 1 LINE, 32 COUNTS 45b euro set for RI infrastructure

Busway causes congestion

Busway causes congestionFrom KompasTraffic congestion in Jakarta has again increased with the construction of the second busway corridor. Private car owners do not even use the first busway corridor.On the other hand, as the busway reduces the number of lanes for other road users, it not only...

Stock prices at the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Jan. 20, 2005: ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 250 10 205,000...

Living with dengue

Living with dengue Dengue hemorrhagic fever, that treacherous mosquito-borne disease that comes with little warning to torment the unsuspecting, is with us again. Or so Jakarta's city health office warns us.

Aceh dominates Idul Adha sermons

Aceh dominates Idul Adha sermonsThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta Clerics called on Muslims throughout the country observing the Islamic Day of Sacrifice on Friday to extend their sympathy to victims affected by the killer tsunamis that devastated Aceh and North Sumatra.

City says it plans to insure cars parked on streets

City says it plans to insure cars parked on streetsThe Jakarta Post JakartaThe city administration plans to insure all vehicles parked on street shoulders with the potential compensation reaching up to Rp 200 million (US$22,222), an official says.

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".

Displaced Aceh women turn to hobby of traditional embroidery

Displaced Aceh women turn to hobby of traditional embroideryMartin Abbugao, Agence France-Presse/Cot Selamat, Aceh Since moving into a crowded tent that has been her home for the past three weeks, tsunami victim Ratna remains haunted by the giant waves that suddenly swept away her home and family.

Sleman to send help to Aceh regularly

Sleman to send help to Aceh regularly YOGYAKARTA: In a bid to maintain the network and coordination it has built up in carrying out voluntary work in tsunami-hit Banda Aceh, Sleman will be sending volunteers to Aceh every 10 days, on two-week assignments.

Sharp to invest $9.3 million in 2005

Sharp to invest $9.3 million in 2005The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In a bid to boost its market share in the country, electronic producer PT Sharp Yasonta Indonesia (Sharp Indonesia) -- an affiliation of the Japan-based Sharp Corporation -- plans to invest US$9.3 million this year.

Panigoro family to acquire Medco shares

Panigoro family to acquire Medco sharesLeony Aurora, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The Panigoro family plans to buy a 59.9 percent stake in publicly listed oil and gas firm PT Medco Energi International and once again become the majority shareholder after founding the company 25 years ago.

Legal action against media 'only last resort'

Legal action against media 'only last resort'Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has reiterated his support for press freedom, promising that the government would settle disputes with the media out of court.

Kebumen roofing tiles a precarious source of income

Kebumen roofing tiles a precarious source of incomeSinggir Kartana, Contributor/Kebumen Kebumen has long been known as the center of the roofing tile industry with thousands of small, medium and large businesses in the regency.Yet, the business is not as lucrative as it appears.

Foreigners could be spying: BIN head

Foreigners could be spying: BIN headKurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta State Intelligence Agency (BIN) head Syamsir Siregar has called on the government to be alert to possible spying from foreign forces deployed in tsunami-devastated Aceh for relief aid operations.

Roses are not always red for painter Mrinalini Singh

Roses are not always red for painter Mrinalini SinghEmmy Fitri, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Constant moving and exposure to a variety of cultures have enabled her to absorb universal values.But Mrinalini Singh, an army brat and diplomat's wife, still seeks more to nurture her spirit.

Official warns of flood-borne diseases

Official warns of flood-borne diseases JAKARTA: Jakarta residents have been advised to be on the alert for flood-borne diseases, including leptospirosis, which is transmitted through rat urine."Aside from diarrhea, residents must be wary of leptospirosis since the floodwaters could contain the...

Power trouble in Kepulauan Seribu

Power trouble in Kepulauan SeribuFrom Warta KotaThe power supply on Kepulauan Seribu, off the coast of Jakarta, has been disrupted since the island group was designated a regency, causing anxiety to local consumers and thus harming public interests.

Susilo to confirm role of presidential aides

Susilo to confirm role of presidential aidesMuninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is set to issue a decree on Monday to reorganize the state secretariat in an apparent move to formally accommodate his aides and those of his deputy, who helped them win...

45b euro set for Indonesia infrastructure

45b euro set for Indonesia infrastructureZakki P. Hakim, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta European private sector and financial institutions have allocated some 45 billion euros (US$58.5 billion) to be invested in infrastructure projects in Indonesia.

Singapore withdraws three helicopters

Singapore withdraws three helicopters MEDAN: The Singapore government has withdrawn three Seahawk helicopters from the national coordination post in Polonia, Medan, while 965 troops in Meulaboh and Banda Aceh are set to return to their home country.

Zainoel Abidin run by concerned doctors

Zainoel Abidin run by concerned doctorsAndi Hajramurni, The Jakarta Post/Banda Aceh In the pediatrics unit, Belgian and Spanish are spoken besides Bahasa Indonesia. Over in the surgery unit it's English with an Australian accent and German. In the high care unit, it's Singlish with a hint of Malay.

BIN accuses foreigners of spying agenda in Aceh

BIN accuses foreigners of spying agenda in AcehKurniawan Hari The Jakarta Post/JakartaState Intelligence Agency (BIN) head Syamsir Siregar has called on the government to be alert to possible spying from foreign forces deployed in tsunami-devastated Aceh for relief aid operations.

;JP;DAN;

;JP;DAN; ANPAf..r.. Rupiah-conversion-ratesRupiah Rates Jan. 20 JP/13/ConverRupiah Rates Jan. 20 Bank notes rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Rp Rp Rp Rp Australian dollar 1 7,345.38 6,581.68 6,999.84 6,927.08Brunei dollar 1 5,908.17 5,292.75 5,630.24 5,570.51Canadian dollar 1 7,854.

RP military warns JI planning attacks

RP military warns JI planning attacks PHILIPPINES: The Philippine military warned on Friday that the regional Jamaah Islamiyah (JI) group was planning to launch fresh attacks in the country with the help of local Muslim separatist rebels.

Better coordination among agencies vital

Better coordination among agencies vital Floods have claimed two lives and forced over 20,000 residents to flee their homes for temporary shelters. The Jakarta Post talked to city residents on the administration's efforts to stave off the annual disaster.

The rebuilding of Aceh

The rebuilding of Aceh The last thing the Acehnese will want to do is sit around and do nothing. They will need building materials, tools, nails, claw hammers, pumps, pipes, corrugated sheeting, portable generators, fuel and whatever else is required -- and they want that now.

TNI kills 120 GAM members

TNI kills 120 GAM members BANDA ACEH: The Indonesia Military (TNI) killed 120 members of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) in a series of gunfights during the past two weeks, Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ryamizard Ryacudu said on Thursday.

Idul Adha brings relief, albeit temporary

Idul Adha brings relief, albeit temporaryRuslan Sangadji and Tony Hotland The Jakarta Post/Banda Aceh Today's menu: kare daging (beef or mutton curry).In the huge army tent located inside the TVRI compound in Banda Aceh, within the 12-square meter area designated as their quarters, 44-year-old...

Bali bomber says he had no links with cleric Ba'asyir

Bali bomber says he had no links with cleric Ba'asyirThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta Ali Imron, who is serving a life sentence for the 2002 Bali bombings, testified in the trial of Abu Bakar Ba'asyir on Thursday that the cleric had not influenced his actions in carrying out the attack.

The Indian Ocean tsunami caused US$675 million in damage to

The Indian Ocean tsunami caused US$675 million in damage to Indonesia's environment by battering coral reefs and mangroves and washing away farm land, the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) said on Friday.

Flooding recedes, vigilance urged

Flooding recedes, vigilance urgedDamar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Floods that have inundated many areas across Jakarta during the past few days receded on Friday, but city authorities are calling for vigilance for the duration of the rainy season.

Rebuilding Aceh's economy, encouraging investment

Rebuilding Aceh's economy, encouraging investmentMichael Vatikiotis, New Straits Times, Kuala Lumpur People are more worried about the future of their children's education, jobs and basic services.Now that the immediate task of emergency relief in Aceh is almost over, it's time to start thinking...

RI urged to seriously combat corruption

RI urged to seriously combat corruptionRendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Foreign creditors grouped in the Consultative Group for Indonesia (CGI) have reiterated their calls for the government to intensify measures to fight corruption and curb illegal logging, in a bid to restore their...

N. Sumatra plantations produce generations of poor workers

N. Sumatra plantations produce generations of poor workersRidwan Max Sijabat The Jakarta Post/Pematang Siantar, North SumatraNorth 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.

Papuans against W. Irian Jaya poll

Papuans against W. Irian Jaya pollRidwan Max Sidjabat and Nethy Dharma Somba, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta/Jayapura Papua's provincial leaders have expressed concern over a rumor that the central government will include West Irian Jaya province on the list of more than 95 regions that will hold direct...

JP/5/BATAM

JP/5/BATAMAcehnese migrants see better future on their own soilFadli, The Jakarta Post, Batam, Riau Islands While many Aceh tsunami survivors were scared to return to their homes for fear of aftershocks and more tsunami, not a few Acehnese living outside the province were instead planning to go...

Rp 551b needed to restore Nabire

Rp 551b needed to restore Nabire JAYAPURA: The town of Nabire, which was devastated by a 6.4 magnitude earthquake on Nov. 26, 2004, needed at least Rp 551 billion to rebuild.The central government initially allocated Rp 59 billion from emergency funds to rebuild and restore infrastructure, public...

Stock prices at the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Jan. 20, 2005: ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 250 10 205,000...

Wider sidewalks for Kelapa Gading

Wider sidewalks for Kelapa Gading JAKARTA: Upmarket housing estate Kelapa Gading is to get a new look this year following the preparation of a plan to construct wider sidewalks for pedestrians."We want to emulate the success of similar sidewalk-widening projects along Jl. MH Thamrin and Jl. Jend.