Archive: 28 January 2005
93 articles found
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
President Susilo regrets activist's beating
President Susilo regrets activist's beating The Jakarta Post, Jakarta President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said he regretted the assault against antigraft activist Farid Faqih (photo above), who soldiers alleged had stolen relief aid in Aceh. "The President does not want to see people take the law into their own hands. If Farid was caught red-handed for a crime, he should have been taken to the police," Cabinet Secretary Sudi Silalahi told reporters at the State Palace.
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
* RI and Sri Lanka urged to seize tsunami chance for peace Page 2
* RI and Sri Lanka urged to seize tsunami chance for peace Page 2 * Ba'asyir, lawyers walk out of terror trial Page 4 * Bandung residents protest new hotel project Page 5 * The myths and realities of the Indonesian economy Page 6 * Jakarta council suggests larger compensation for evictees Page 8 * Waldorf in crowd atop Hope leaderboard Page 9 * Aid not enough to win the hearts of Muslims Page 11 * IBRA clearance team operation extended Page 13 * Making money off the tsunami Page 19
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Strong synergy needed to develop modern defense industry
Strong synergy needed to develop modern defense industry Ridwan Max Sijabat The Jakarta Post/Jakarta In view of the limited defense budget, the government and the military should form a strong synergy with research centers, universities and financial institutions to build a modern defense industry subordinate to the country's national defense system, military and defense experts say.
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Australian tried on drug charge
Australian tried on drug charge DENPASAR, Bali: An Australian woman accused of smuggling more than four kilograms of marijuana into Bali went on trial on Thursday on a charge that carries the maximum death penalty. As her family watched from the gallery, Schapelle Leigh Corby, 27, heard a judge read the charge of importing illegal drugs, an offense that under tough anti-drug laws carries a 20-year prison term or death by firing squad.
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Three killed in accident
Three killed in accident BANDARLAMPUNG, Lampung: A multiple collision involving a bus, a minibus and a motorcycle in South Lampung regency led to the deaths of three people and injured eight others on Thursday morning. Two among the three fatalities were a couple, Achmad Sanusi, 42 and his wife Asmah, 36, who were passengers in the Mitsubishi minibus at the time of the accident.
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Tsunami-ravaged nations meet on warning system
Tsunami-ravaged nations meet on warning system Joseph Coleman, Associated Press/Phuket, Thailand Indonesia lacks tsunami-detecting tide gauges, and one of Sri Lanka's two earthquake monitoring stations is hobbled by software troubles. Thailand needs to upgrade communications to warn tourists of danger.
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Rupiah Rates Jan.27
Rupiah Rates Jan.27 Banknote rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Australian dollar 1 7,475.21 6,694.89 7,122.90 7,046.97 Brunei dollar 1 5,899.68 5,285.62 5,621.63 5,563.58 Canadian dollar 1 7,815.19 7,001.05 7,446.86 7,369.23 Swiss franc 1 8,144.92 7,296.93 7,761.06 7,680.67 Danish krone 1 1,691.60 1,515.20 1,611.88 1,594.88 Euro 1 12,589.37 11,276.42 11,996.04 11,869.44 Poundsterling 1 18,126.42 16,240.40 17,272.12 17,094.46 Hong Kong dollar 1 1,235.32 1,107.02 1,177.10 1,165.24...
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Brunei Scouts gives aid to tsunami victims
Brunei Scouts gives aid to tsunami victims JAKARTA: The scouts movement of Brunei Darussalam donated food and clothing on Thursday for survivors of the Dec. 26 tsunami. The aid was handed over by Brunei leader Zainal Abidin to the Indonesian Scouts Movement head Azrul Anwar at the Aceh Scouts headquarters in Banda Aceh, spokeswoman Setembri Yanti said.
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Subdistricts, districts to get more authority
Subdistricts, districts to get more authority Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The city administration named on Thursday 50 subdistricts and 10 districts that will be granted more authority to manage funds for various activities in their respective territories. A city official in charge of the pilot project told The Jakarta Post on Thursday that the appointed districts and subdistricts were currently being asked to prepare action plans for the program.
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Flood fever infecting Jakartans
Flood fever infecting Jakartans The Jakarta Post Jakarta Laying helplessly in a third-class ward for more than a week at Tarakan hospital in West Jakarta, Usman, 42, has been struggling with a serious illness, one he still knows nothing about. "The doctor took me off the intravenous (IV) drip. I hope I can go home soon," said the employee of an auto repair shop in Sunter, North Jakarta.
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
The myths and realities of the Indonesian economy
The myths and realities of the Indonesian economy Sjahrir, Jakarta After the Dec. 26 earthquake and tsunami hit northern Sumatra, Indonesia was back in the international news. Governments, multilateral agencies, non-government organizations and celebrities have all poured their good will, and money, into Indonesia, especially into Aceh.
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
PGN to set up SPC for gas project
PGN to set up SPC for gas project Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post/Medan State-owned gas distributor Perusahaan Gas Negara (PGN) is slated to establish a special purpose company (SPC) to help finance its key pipeline project linking gas fields across Sumatra. PGN president director W.M.P. Simanjuntak said in Medan, North Sumatra, on Thursday his company would only ask for 15 to 20 percent of the shares in the SPC, while the remaining shares would be offered to investors.
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Some hope out of the gloom in post-tsunami Aceh
Some hope out of the gloom in post-tsunami Aceh The Nation, Asia News Network, Bangkok While people around the world marvel at the goodwill demonstrated in the unprecedented effort to alleviate the effects of the destruction the Dec. 26 tsunami visited upon the coastal areas surrounding the Indian Ocean, Indonesia is enjoying its own window of opportunity.
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Samsidar, an Acehnese with integrity
Samsidar, an Acehnese with integrity Carla Bianpoen, Contributor/Jakarta "What bothers me immensely now is that the Acehnese whose houses were untouched by the devastating earthquake and tsunami, do not show a sense of solidarity with their own people," complains Ir. Samsidar, herself an Acehnese, who heads the board of RPuK. She is also a commissioner at the National Commission on Violence against Women (Komnas Perempuan).
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Aid not enough to win Muslim hearts
Aid not enough to win Muslim hearts Lawrence Bartlett, Agence France-Presse/Putrajaya, Malaysia Washington has earned some credit among Muslims for its aid to victims of the Asian tsunamis but must change its foreign policy to counter the perception that it is anti-Islam, the leader of the world's biggest Islamic group said on Thursday.
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
AP Enterprise: Critics see potential for massive theft of
AP Enterprise: Critics see potential for massive theft of international reconstruction aid to Indonesia[ AP Photos XSP126- 128 of Jan. 21[ AP Graphic TSUNAMI LOGO[ By SLOBODAN LEKIC= Associated Press Writer= EDITOR'S NOTE: This is one of a series of special reports by AP correspondents marking one month since the tsunami wrought death and devastation to Asia and Africa on Dec 26.
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Luluk and Alven bounced out of Korea Open
Luluk and Alven bounced out of Korea Open The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Defending champions and top seeds Luluk Hadiyanto and Alven Yulianto made an abrupt exit from the men's doubles at the Noonnoppi Korea Open on Thursday. The Indonesian shuttlers, who received a bye in the first round, lost in straight games 12-15, 3-15 to the host team of Jae Sung Jung/Jae Jin Lee in Incheon City.
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Bandung residents protest over hotel project
Bandung residents protest over hotel project Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post/Bandung Hundreds of Punclut residents, environmentalists and artists protested on the streets of Bandung on Thursday, rejecting the planned construction of a hotel and resort in Punclut, a water catchment area in North Bandung. The protesters criticized Bandung Mayor Dada Rosada for issuing a permit for PT Dam Utama Sakti Prima (DUSP) to turn 60- hectare plot in Punclut into a tourism and business project.
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia and Sri Lanka urged to seize tsunami chance for peace
Indonesia and Sri Lanka urged to seize tsunami chance for peace Lawrence Bartlett Agence France-Presse/Putrajaya, Malaysia Indonesia and Sri Lanka should seize the opportunity provided by the Asian tsunamis to end their long-running civil conflicts, Malaysian Prime Minister and head of the Non-Aligned Movement, Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, told AFP in an interview on Thursday.
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Robbery on the rise, detectives deployed
Robbery on the rise, detectives deployed Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The number of armed robberies rose significantly in January, prompting police to deploy more undercover personnel in areas frequently targeted by robbers. Data from city police headquarters shows that robberies in which firearms were used jumped from less than 10 cases in December to 20 cases in January, including three over the past three days. City police general crime unit deputy chief, Adj. Sr. Comr.
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
1. SUSILO : 1 X 42
1. SUSILO : 1 X 42 SBY blamed for not improving investment climate 2. HAJ: 1 X 28 Acehnese pilgrims join displaced 3. SPEAK: 1 X 21 What people say about SBY 4. FARID: 2 X 21 Antigraft activist named suspect over aid 'theft'
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
What people say about SBY
What people say about SBY Ray Rangkuti, executive director of the Independent Election Monitoring Committee (KIPP): We have not seen a coherent strategy in dealing with the country's myriad problems in the administration of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. As a result, in the first three months of his administration, we witnessed only sporadic changes which have had no significant impact on people's daily lives.
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
1. Ending dispute with Cemex over its investment in state cement
1. Ending dispute with Cemex over its investment in state cement company PT Semen Gresik, which started since 2001. 2. Settling dispute with Karaha Bodas over the termination of the company's power contract in 1998. 3. Settling row between ExxonMobil and state oil and gas company PT Pertamina over the management of Cepu block in Central Java. The dispute started last year. 4.
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Some things never change despite changes in regime
Some things never change despite changes in regime Prijono Tjiptoherijanto, Jakarta An almost forgotten Javanese saying appeared recently in a newspaper article: Mikul dhuwur mendem jero (originally meaning to respect parents while they are alive and after their deaths). It was for the first time popularized in the early 1970s, shortly after the changeover to the new regime took place. The Old Order had collapsed and was replaced by the New Order under president Soeharto.
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Why that deadline?
Why that deadline? I was so embarrassed when I heard the news that the Indonesian Military (TNI) allegedly applied a "border fee" for foreign aid workers. The most ridiculous one is the deadline for foreign militaries to leave on March 26. But those two cases show the real Indonesian character.
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Better welfare won't stop deforestation
Better welfare won't stop deforestation The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Improving the economic welfare of communities living in forested areas would do little to reduce the widespread illegal logging across the country, environmentalists say.
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Tsunami takes spotlight in Davos
Tsunami takes spotlight in Davos Pana Janviroj, The Nation/Asia News Network, Davos, Switzerland In deep snow at minus 12 degree Celsius, the tidal wave struck. The "tsunami" disaster which struck 13 nations in the Indian Ocean at the end of last year is literary a "buzz" word at this year's World Economic Forum, where more than 2,000 business, political and social leaders are gathering amid one of Davos' coldest year.
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Antigraft activist named suspect over aid 'theft'
Antigraft activist named suspect over aid 'theft' The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh/Jakarta The Indonesian police named anticorruption activist Farid Faqih a suspect on Thursday for allegedly stealing donated items destined for tsunami victims in Aceh. The police have also confiscated two trucks from him loaded with the donated food, medicine and computer equipment. If convicted, Farid could be imprisoned up to seven years, said Brig. Gen.
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Caring airline
Caring airline I recently returned to Indonesia from Malaysia on the low- cost, short-hop airline Air Asia. During the trip, a personal and professional disaster was avoided through the "heads up" effort of the Air Asia staff in both Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta. In the hectic scramble to get my children to the front of the line and onboard in Malaysia, I left my laptop computer in the departing terminal at KLIA. The loss of this computer could have ruined me professionally.
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
BIS art exhibition leads the way at gallery
BIS art exhibition leads the way at gallery Muslima Hapsari, Contributor/Jakarta A man in a black suit was standing in front of a painting in amazement. He still could not believe that the contemporary, 2.5 meter by 1.5 meter painting was made by one of his students at The British International School (BIS) Jakarta. The students can be proud of themselves and their successful art exhibition. This nonprofit event, titled The Youthful Eye, is being held at Deniek Sukarya Galley in Kemang from Jan.
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Shares end up; Tobacco drives index higher
Shares end up; Tobacco drives index higher Dow Jones, Jakarta Indonesian shares ended higher on Thursday, with further foreign program buying in cigarette blue chips driving the main index to another record high closing, dealers said. The Jakarta Stock Exchange Composite Index ended up 7.479 points, or 0.7 percent, surpassing Wednesday's record to hit a fresh high of 1044.99.
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
SBY prods law enforcers to work harder to curb graft
SBY prods law enforcers to work harder to curb graft Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has urged law enforcers to work harder to root out corruption, amid criticism from some quarters about his administration's perceived lack of action on graft during his first 100 days in office.
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Making money off the tsunami, from the black market to the
Making money off the tsunami, from the black market to the multinational[ AP Photos XSP123-126[ By JOCELYN GECKER= Associated Press Writer[ JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) - Making money off the tsunami, from black market to multinational Jocelyn Gecker Associated Press/Jakarta For those looking to make a buck, head to tsunami-wrecked Sumatra, says Indonesian entrepreneur Sigip Samsu. He rushed there in the wake of the disaster and hasn't stopped reaping the benefits of a land in need of plenty.
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
OIC meeting
OIC meeting No doubt, the 16 national delegations to the Kuala Lumpur meeting of the Organization of the Islamic Conference's Commission of Eminent Persons already know full well that moderation is enlightened. Nevertheless, enshrining the phrase "Enlightened Moderation" as the guiding theme of the three-day conference is welcome indeed.
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Schools send students home
Schools send students home PEKANBARU: Widespread haze in several areas in Riau has disrupted people's daily activities and forced some schools to cancel classes. In Duri, Mandau district, haze has covered the city for the last three days, forcing schools to send students home. Head of the education office in Mandau, Zainuddin, said on Thursday the decision was taken because the air quality monitor indicated the air was hazardous to health. -- JP
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Busway nets Rp 41b in a year
Busway nets Rp 41b in a year JAKARTA: Revenue from busway tickets sold from Feb. 1, 2004 until Jan. 21 has reached Rp 41.3 billion (US$4.64 million), which was beyond expectation, according to the busway management. "We can finance all operational expenses with the revenue ... no other public transportation management in the world is this self-sufficient," BP TransJakarta director Irzal Z Djamal exulted.
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Luluk and Alven bounced out of Korea Open
Luluk and Alven bounced out of Korea Open The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Defending champions and top seeds Luluk Hadiyanto and Alven Yulianto made an abrupt exit in the second round of the Noonnoppi Korea Open on Thursday. The Indonesian shuttlers, who received a bye in the first round, lost in straight games 12-15, 3-15 to the host team of Jae Sung Jung/Jae Jin Lee in Incheon City.
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Acehnese pilgrims join displaced
Acehnese pilgrims join displaced Nani Afrida, The Jakarta Post/Banda Aceh While most returning haj pilgrims arriving back home will be warmly greeted by their families and relatives in the comfort of their homes, Acehnese pilgrims will find themselves among the refugees. After losing their homes and families when the tsunami struck on Dec. 26 last year, 712 Acehnese haj pilgrims will return to live in shelters for people displaced in the disaster once they return to the province.
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Fitch upgrades RI ratings on economic progress
Fitch upgrades RI ratings on economic progress I Made Sentana, Dow Jones/Jakarta The government's policy direction and improvements to the macroeconomy received a vote of confidence Thursday, with Fitch Ratings raising the country's sovereign creditworthiness. Fitch upgraded Indonesia's long-term foreign and local currency ratings to BB- from B+, and affirmed its short-term rating at B. The outlook on the ratings remains positive.
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
PGN proposes gas price hike to fund expansion
PGN proposes gas price hike to fund expansion The Jakarta Post, Jakarta In a bid to cover its operational costs and expand its distribution network, state gas distributor PT Perusahaan Gas Negara (PGN) has proposed a gradual increase of gas prices for households, social facilities and small industries by almost 50 percent.
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Lack of surgery on twins protested
Lack of surgery on twins protested JAKARTA: The parents of conjoined twins Angie and Angeli filed a complaint with the Ministry of Health on Thursday over the cancellation of the surgery to separate the two girls. The twins are joined from the waist down, with one kidney each and separate digestive systems. They share a bowel and a third leg.
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Armed robbery cases jump, undercover cops deployed
Armed robbery cases jump, undercover cops deployed Abdul Khalik The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The number of armed robberies rose significantly in January, prompting police to deploy more undercover personnel in areas frequently targeted by robbers. Data from city police headquarters shows that robberies in which firearms were used jumped from less than 10 cases in December to 20 cases in January, including three over the past three days. City police general crime unit deputy chief, Adj. Sr. Comr.
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
15 Head :
15 Head : 1. S'PORE ( 1 x 24 ) S'pore electronics sector to remain robust this year
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Didik ready for PAN race
Didik ready for PAN race JAKARTA: Economist-turned-politician Didik J. Rachbini has announced his readiness to contest the leadership race at the National Mandate Party (PAN) Congress in April. Announcing his manifesto, Didik promised that he would create a bridge between the PAN leadership and the party's grass roots by promoting the development of a people-oriented economy. He emphasized that PAN should also push for good governance, and corruption eradication.
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Clubs on the hunt for former national players
Clubs on the hunt for former national players Musthofid, The Jakarta Post/Yogyakarta Namrih Suroto knows what it means to be sidelined, and the gnawing feeling of "what if?" Once a promising prospect on the national badminton scene, today he sits in the stands of Amongrogo sports hall, making calls on his mobile phone or cheering on his friends.
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
TV Today: Friday, January 28, 2005
TV Today: Friday, January 28, 2005 .TB.30" .90" TVRI .tb .30" .90" 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News: Berita Pagi 7:00 Cartoon: Maya The Bee 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.
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
BPK finds Rp 27.22t in unaccounted funds
BPK finds Rp 27.22t in unaccounted funds Urip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) has found up to Rp 27.2 trillion in funds (some US$3.02 billion) in 16 bank accounts which fall under the supervision of the minister of finance in the 2003 state budget that the government has not accounted for.
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
1. UN: 4 LINES, 10 COUNTS
1. UN: 4 LINES, 10 COUNTS RI relief effort in chaos, UN says 2. AUSSIE: 4 LINES, 10 COUNTS pakai yang tadi saja 3. 100HARI: 1 LINE, 27 COUNTS SBY misses 100-day targets 4. LETTER: 1 LINE, 32 COUNTS Aceh's children tell their story
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Thieves bring trains to a halt
Thieves bring trains to a halt Mulkta Fidrus The Jakarta Post/Tangerang Cable thieves have struck again. Six electric commuter trains plying the Serpong, Tangerang- Tanah Abang and Jakarta routes were brought to a halt on Thursday thanks to dare-devil thieves who cut and stole the high voltage overhead cables linking Pondok Ranji and Tanah Kusir. Train authorities suspended all operations of the trains leaving thousands of commuters stranded at Serpong Station in Tangerang, Banten.
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Antam 2004 sales up 35 percent
Antam 2004 sales up 35 percent JAKARTA: PT Aneka Tambang, a gold and nickel mining company 65 percent owned by the Indonesian government, said sales rose 35 percent last year, mainly on higher prices. Sales in the year ended Dec. 31 rose to Rp 2.76 trillion (US$302 million) from Rp 2.04 trillion a year earlier, the company said in a statement today to the Australian Stock Exchange, where the shares are also traded. Sales of ferronickel rose 25 percent to Rp 870.4 billion, the statement said.
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Four more die of diarrheal disease
Four more die of diarrheal disease KUPANG: Four more people have died due to diarrheal disease in East Nusa Tenggara, bringing the total number of fatalities to 24. The last four victims were children who were receiving treatment at Prof. Dr. W.Z. Yohanis Hospital in Kupang. "Every day, there are around five people with diarrhea seeking treatment here," said Boby Mesakh, the hospital's deputy director.
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
SGS meets Djarum in club tourney semis
SGS meets Djarum in club tourney semis Musthofid, The Jakarta Post/Yogyakarta On paper, it should have been easy pickings for SGS Elektrik of Bandung over Keshab Timur of East Kalimantan, but their tie came down to a nail-biting finish at the National Badminton Mixed Team Championship here on Thursday. There was no indication of the drama in store when southpaw Flandi Limpele and Lita Nurlita of SGS wrapped up a 15-5, 15-6 win over Unang Rakhmat and Lidyawati in the opening mixed doubles.
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
RI negotiators, GAM brace for talks
RI negotiators, GAM brace for talks The Jakarta Post, Helsinki/Jakarta Negotiating teams from the Indonesian government and the main rebel movement in Aceh province, where a long-running conflict was overshadowed by last month's devastating tsunami disaster, arrived in Finland on Thursday for peace talks, officials said.
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Prostitutes face harder life in Batam
Prostitutes face harder life in Batam Fadli, The Jakarta Post/Batam "Santi", 23, a sex worker in Batam, complained that fewer clients had visited her over the past few months. "Malaysian and Singaporean tourists aren't turning up any more and spending money at my place," said Santi, a masseur cum sex worker hailing from West Java. Santi works as a masseur in a massage parlor in the Nagoya Business Center. "The situation is very different compared to four years ago.
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Return to a maritime country
Return to a maritime country One project offered at the recently concluded Indonesian Infrastructure Summit held in Jakarta from Jan. 17 to Jan. 18 was a port development to function as a hub for shipping imports and exports. Indonesian exports shipped out of the country for decades have first been sent to larger ports in Singapore or Malaysia, making us very much dependent on foreign vessels and leaving local shipping companies underdeveloped.
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Susilo blamed for not improving investment climate
Susilo blamed for not improving investment climate Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Today marks the 100th day of the administration of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. According to many assessments, his government has yet to produce results in terms of the economy, having failed to bring improvement to the country's investment and business climate.
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
SBY misses 100-day targets
SBY misses 100-day targets The Jakarta Post, Jakarta President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on Friday celebrates his 100th day in office amid much criticism of his administration's failure to reach its proclaimed targets, mainly in reducing corruption and boosting the business and investment climate. Himself unhappy with progress in corruption eradication, Susilo had a lengthy meeting on Thursday with Attorney General Abdulrahman Saleh, National Police Chief Gen.
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
PGN seeks to set up SPC for Sumatra gas project
PGN seeks to set up SPC for Sumatra gas project Fabiola Desy Unidjaja The Jakarta Post/Medan State-owned gas distributor Perusahaan Gas Negara (PGN) is slated to establish a special purpose company (SPC) to help finance its key pipeline project linking gas fields across Sumatra. PGN president director W.M.P. Simanjuntak said in Medan, North Sumatra, on Thursday his company would only ask for 15 to 20 percent of the shares in the SPC, while the remaining shares would be offered to investors.
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
'Response prevented deaths from disease'
'Response prevented deaths from disease' Reuters, United Nations The swift response to the Asian tsunami prevented a second wave of deaths from disease and malnutrition but the task of rebuilding is far from complete, a top UN official said exactly one month after the cataclysm. Jan Egeland, the emergency relief coordinator who played a central role in organizing aid, on Wednesday took stock of the effort since the Dec.
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
House urges delay of Aceh elections
House urges delay of Aceh elections JAKARTA: The House of Representatives' Commission II for home and regional affairs has recommended the government delay the direct elections of local executive heads in tsunami-ravaged Aceh. Commission member Abdul Gafur said on Thursday the proposed delay be imposed until the conditions improved in Aceh. "The home affairs minister must prepare a legal basis for the delay," he said.
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
IBRA clearance team operation extended
IBRA clearance team operation extended Urip Hudiono, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The government has decided to once again extend the operation of the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) clearance team, but the move could hamper the Asset Management Company (PPA) in managing unsold assets from IBRA.
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
'We can't blame the squatters for the floods'
'We can't blame the squatters for the floods' Although the Jakarta administration has continued to carry out measures to fight flooding, dredging 13 rivers, maintaining sluice gates and setting up early warning systems and emergency response teams, it could not stop the annual floods. The Jakarta Post asked residents about their opinion of the administration's flood-mitigation efforts. Nanda, 26, works in a foreign bank in Jakarta.
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Poisoning suspected in sibling deaths
Poisoning suspected in sibling deaths Theresia Sufa, The Jakarta Post/Bogor Two brothers and a sister were found dead on Thursday with their bodies displaying signs of having been poisoned. Eldest brother Mugiono, 45, his sister Sukarni, 40 and younger brother Narno, 35, were found dead in Sukarni's house on Jl. Siaga, Cimandala village, Sukaraja district, Bogor regency. Mugiono and Sukarni were found in the bedrooms, while Narno was found in the living room.
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Holland offers full scholarships
Holland offers full scholarships BOGOR: The Dutch government is offering full scholarships for civil servants, activists, lecturers as well as journalists in the Studeren in Nederland (StuNed) scheme. "The StuNed scholarship scheme is only for Indonesians ...
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
On Israeli aid
On Israeli aid I am a regular reader of The Jakarta Post. In the Jan. 25 edition I read a letter regarding aid from the Israeli government which I thought was a very narrow-minded view from someone I would expect is a university graduate. It is true that we do not have diplomatic ties with Israel and condemn what they have done to Palestine and Yasser Arafat. However it does not mean that they cannot give aid to Aceh. This is more humanitarian in nature than political.
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
More compo for evictees urged
More compo for evictees urged The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The City Council has made a suggestion to the administration for it to raise the allotted compensation fund for evictees from Rp 500,000 (US$56) to Rp 5 million per family. During a hearing with the City Public Order Agency on Thursday, councillor Mohammad Mansyur said that the current amount of compensation was far too low compared to the evictees' needs, which require finding a new place to live or returning to their home villages.
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
50 bills on this year's priority list
50 bills on this year's priority list Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The House of Representatives and the government have agreed to put 50 bills in their priority program for this year, with many of the bills being from previous sessions. The agreement was reached after a series of closed-door meetings over the past three days, legislator Bomer Pasaribu, a member of the House's Legislation Body (Baleg), said on Thursday.
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Aceh rebels exploit tsunami tragedy
Aceh rebels exploit tsunami tragedy Kirsten E. Schulze, The Straits Times, Asia News Network, Singapore When the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) called a unilateral ceasefire following the tsunami disaster, hopes were raised that this humanitarian disaster might lead to an end to the separatist conflict. Indeed, it looks like talks on a temporary cessation of hostilities between Indonesia and GAM in order to facilitate the relief efforts may be on the cards.
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
JP/2/ACEH
JP/2/ACEH 1 x 38 Minister admits misuse of relief funds JP/04/Court 2 x 17 Ba'asyir, lawyers storm out of court JP/4/bill 2 x 19 50 bills on this year's priority list JP/4/Graft 2 x 26 SBY prods law enforcers to work harder to curb graft JP/4/logging 1 x 38 Better welfare won't stop deforestation
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Thieves bring trains to a halt
Thieves bring trains to a halt Mulkta Fidrus, The Jakarta Post/Tangerang Cable thieves have struck again. Six electric commuter trains plying the Serpong, Tangerang-Tanah Abang and Jakarta routes were brought to a halt on Thursday thanks to dare-devil thieves who cut and stole the high voltage overhead cables linking Pondok Ranji and Tanah Kusir. Train authorities suspended all operations of the trains leaving thousands of commuters stranded at Serpong Station in Tangerang, Banten.
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
PDI-P faces hard job in Bandarlampung mayoralty election
PDI-P faces hard job in Bandarlampung mayoralty election Oyos Saroso H.N., The Jakarta Post/Bandarlampung Kasman, 45, the chief of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle's (PDI-P) Bandarlampung branch, has often got home late during the past few days. Kasman's mission is an unenviable one. He has been burdened with the responsibility of organizing his party's candidate for the upcoming mayoral race.
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
RI relief effort in chaos, UN says
RI relief effort in chaos, UN says Agence France-Presse, Banda Aceh The multinational relief effort in parts of tsunami-hit Aceh province remains chaotic, according to an official report released on Thursday. "The west coast of Aceh continues to receive aid and assistance in a chaotic manner," said the report by a 34-member inter-agency team including the Indonesian government, the U.S. military, UN agencies and others.
Fri, 28 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.
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Ba'asyir, lawyers storm out of court
Ba'asyir, lawyers storm out of court The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Abu Bakar Ba'asyir, who is being tried on charges of involvement in acts of terror, and his lawyers walked out of the courtroom on Wednesday in protest against the judges' decision to allow the prosecution to read out the sworn statements of four witnesses in their absence.
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Three labor firms raided
Three labor firms raided Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta A tipoff led to the Jakarta Police and government officials raiding three labor export firms in separate locations for illegally sheltering 168 prospective migrant workers on Thursday. The team, which included officials from the Ministry of Manpower and Transmigration, found 95 people housed in basic conditions in a former factory building in Kebayoran Lama, South Jakarta.
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Minister admits misuse of relief funds
Minister admits misuse of relief funds M. Taufiqurrahman and Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The government admitted on Thursday that the management of public donations for the tsunami survivors in Aceh and North Sumatra had been tainted by malfeasance.
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
CPO prices to drop ahead of Chinese New Year
CPO prices to drop ahead of Chinese New Year Zakki P. Hakim, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Ahead of lunar new year festivities, industries in China are reducing their activity, and this will eventually cut demand for certain raw materials including crude palm oil (CPO), thus weighing down on the commodity price.
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Indofood sees slight drop in 2004 net profit
Indofood sees slight drop in 2004 net profit Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta The world's largest instant noodle maker PT Indofood Sukses Makmur expects a slightly lower net profit in 2004 compared to the previous year, a top executive says. Vice president of the publicly listed company Fransiscus Welirang said on Thursday the decline was due to tougher competition in the noodle market. "Revenue increased between 4 percent and 5 percent last year," he said.
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
RP moves against money laundering
RP moves against money laundering MANILA: The Philippine government has began to regulate non-bank foreign exchange dealers, money changers and remittance agents to boost its anti-money laundering campaign, the central bank said on Thursday. The central bank said the move to monitor some 30,000 to 50,000 money changers and remittance agents was aimed at convincing the Paris-based Financial Action Task Force (FATF) to remove the country from its watch list.
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Smoking and coffee, the Acehnese way
Smoking and coffee, the Acehnese way Tony Hotland The Jakarta Post/Banda Aceh A weary-eyed man sat inside his wet tent in the military complex in the Mata Ie area, Banda Aceh, as his daughter cuddled beside him. Smoke billowed from his thick cigarette while he sipped black coffee. Close by, several men sit about making almost similar gestures: smoking cigarettes, drinking coffee. "This feels good. It (smoking) somehow almost feels like eating, you know, and coffee is the drink.
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
UK spends $57m so far on tsunami relief
UK spends $57m so far on tsunami relief INDONESIA: The British government has already spent over US$57 million on a wide variety of humanitarian relief projects in Aceh and other tsunami-affected areas in the region, the British Embassy said in a statement on Thursday. In Indonesia, the funds had been used for urgent emergency relief, such as the establishment of a UN base camp in Aceh.
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Making money off the tsunami, from the black market to the
Making money off the tsunami, from the black market to the multinational[ AP Photos XSP123-126[ By JOCELYN GECKER= Associated Press Writer[ JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) - Making money off the tsunami, from black market to multinational Jocelyn Gecker Associated Press/Jakarta For those looking to make a buck, head to tsunami-wrecked Sumatra, says Indonesian entrepreneur Sigip Samsu. He rushed there in the wake of the disaster and hasn't stopped reaping the benefits of a land in need of plenty.
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
AP Enterprise: Critics see potential for massive theft of
AP Enterprise: Critics see potential for massive theft of international reconstruction aid to Indonesia[ AP Photos XSP126- 128 of Jan. 21[ AP Graphic TSUNAMI LOGO[ By SLOBODAN LEKIC= Associated Press Writer= EDITOR'S NOTE: This is one of a series of special reports by AP correspondents marking one month since the tsunami wrought death and devastation to Asia and Africa on Dec 26.
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Aceh's children tell their story
Aceh's children tell their story Andi Hajramurni, The Jakarta Post/Banda Aceh "I wanted to run." This short and simple statement was the only sentence seven-year-old Rafli had in mind when he was asked to write something. His face was expressionless and there was no trace of a smile. Simple as it is, the sentence represented his deepest feeling, and wish, when the tsunami struck Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam on Dec. 26.
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
RP launches airstrikes on militant groups
RP launches airstrikes on militant groups Philippine helicopter gunships and planes on Thursday attacked a suspected meeting between leaders of the al-Qaeda affiliated Abu Sayyaf and Jamaah Islamiyah (JI) militant groups, the military said. Among those suspected of being in the area attacked in the southern Philippines were the senior leaders of the Abu Sayyaf and a certain Dulmatin, an Indonesian alleged to have been behind the deadly Bali bombings in 2002.
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Acehnese grapple with demons, death and division
Acehnese grapple with demons, death and division Dean Yates and Tomi Soetjipto, Reuters/Lhok Nga, Aceh The mass grave near the tsunami-ravaged Indonesian town of Lhok Nga has about 100 corpses in body bags lying in the freshly dug dirt. There is room for at least 1,000 more. Not far away, the concrete hulk of a house has come to rest on the road. It is about the only building standing in this beachside town a few kilometers (miles) southwest of the provincial capital, Banda Aceh.
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
From Koran Tempo
From Koran Tempo The large number of foreign troops providing relief aid in Aceh may open the opportunity for foreign intervention. Their role should therefore be minimized by strictly implementing the government's three-phase recovery policy. President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has announced the plan for tsunami-stricken Aceh, comprising three stages: Restoration, reconstruction and development. Meanwhile, local volunteers' access to the region should be facilitated.
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Fire kills 1 after pipeline spill
Fire kills 1 after pipeline spill JAKARTA: A fire after an oil spill on a pipeline operated by ConocoPhillips in Indonesia's southern Sumatra killed one man three days ago, the Oil and Gas Implementing Body (BP Migas) said on Thursday. A leak in one of the three Tenpino-Sei Gerong pipelines -- which carry crude oil from fields operated by ConocoPhillips and state oil company PT Pertamina -- spilled about 18 barrels of crude oil, BP Migas' operations division head, Suhadi Sukama, said.
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
Susilo seen failing on delivering promises
Susilo seen failing on delivering promises The Jakarta Post Jakarta President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on Friday celebrates his 100th day in office amid much criticism of his administration's failure to reach its proclaimed targets, mainly in reducing corruption and boosting the business and investment climate. Himself unhappy with progress in corruption eradication, Susilo had a lengthy meeting on Friday with Attorney General Abdulrahman Saleh, National Police Chief Gen.
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
[b]
The power of suicide bombers, hunger strikers Terry Eagleton Guardian News Service London 2. GAM -- Aceh rebels exploiting tsunami tragedy 1 x 30 Aceh rebels exploit tsunami tragedy Kirsten E. Schulze The Straits Times Asia News Network Singapore 3. Nation -- A break in the clouds for Aceh 1 x 30 A break in the clouds for Aceh
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
'Flood fever' can be deadly
'Flood fever' can be deadly The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Laying helplessly in a third-class ward for more than a week at Tarakan hospital in West Jakarta, Usman, 42, has been struggling with a serious illness, one he still knows nothing about. "The doctor took me off the intravenous (IV) drip. I hope I can go home soon," said the employee of an auto repair shop in Sunter, North Jakarta.
Fri, 28 Jan 2005, 00:00 WIB
SBY urges law enforcers to work harder to curb graft
SBY urges law enforcers to work harder to curb graft Muninggar Sri Saraswati The Jakarta Post/Jakarta President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has urged law enforcers to work harder to root out corruption, amid criticism from some quarters about his administration's perceived lack of action on graft during his first 100 days in office.